COTU-K and FES Validate Kenya–Germany Bilateral Labour Agreement.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions Kenya (COTU-K), in collaboration with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), held a validation meeting for the popular version of the Kenya–Germany Bilateral Labour Agreement (BLA) on 14th August at the Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi.The meeting brought together COTU-K affiliate unions, technical experts and other stakeholders to review and validate a simplified version of the Agreement aimed at making information on labour migration accessible to Kenyan workers.

Speaking at the meeting, COTU-K Assistant Secretary General Administration, Bro. Adams Barasa, emphasised the need for Kenya–Germany labour mobility arrangements to be rights-based and to deliver tangible benefits to Kenyan workers while protecting them from exploitation, discrimination, unethical recruitment and other labour rights violations.The popular version seeks to bridge the information gap by presenting key provisions of the BLA in clear and simple language. Participants highlighted the importance of workers receiving accurate information before migration, including details on employment contracts, wages, working conditions, recruitment processes, social protection, dispute resolution and available support mechanisms.

COTU-K stressed the critical role of trade unions in labour migration governance, including creating awareness, protecting workers’ rights, monitoring working conditions and supporting migrant workers to access justice and remedies.The validation process is expected to strengthen the final document as a practical awareness and advocacy tool for trade unions, jobseekers and migrant workers. The initiative reflects the shared commitment of COTU-K and FES to promoting safe, orderly and rights-based labour migration, decent work and the protection of Kenyan workers seeking employment opportunities in Germany.