The good ties between Kenya and Germany went a notch higher on Friday following the State visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

At a bilateral meeting and joint press conference at State House Nairobi, President William Ruto called for the easing of immigration barriers so that Kenyans can access job opportunities in the European country.

Consequently, Chancellor Scholz agreed to open doors to 250,000 professional, skilled and semi-skilled Kenyans in an effort to meet Germany’s huge labour requirements. 

The two leaders also agreed on the need for the world to work in concert in mitigating the effects of climate change.

President Ruto said the discussions around climate change must not be limited to “adaptation, loss and damage”, noting that they must also touch on climate financing, climate trading and climate investment.

President Ruto also announced that he will host the African Climate Action Summit between September 4 and 6 in Nairobi. 

“This will enable the continent’s leaders and experts consolidate Africa’s position ahead of COP28,” he said.

In response, Chancellor Scholz committed to extend financial and technical support to the summit.