Just a few years ago, a young chef from Nairobi mainly dreamed of working in a hotel in Kenya or in the Middle East. Today, Germany increasingly becomes his goal. The same applies to waiters and hotel staff, who, thanks to legal migration programs, are joining the HoReCa sector in Europe. In the face of growing labor shortages in Europe, the question arises: can Africa, and specifically Kenya, become the answer to the European labor crisis?
Why Kenya?
Kenya is a country with a young population, a rapidly developing vocational education system, and good foreign language skills – particularly English, which is a significant advantage in the European labor market.
It is no coincidence that Germany selected Kenya as a key migration partner. The signed agreement allows for the legal employment of workers from Kenya while simultaneously addressing the real needs of the German labor market.
According to data from the German Federal Employment Agency, the HoReCa sector has been among the industries with the largest labor shortages for years – missing around 150,000 workers. In 2025, nearly 3,000 work visas were issued to candidates from Kenya, and this number is increasing by an average of 20–25% annually.
HoReCa Sector – Where Are the Shortages the Greatest?
The highest demand is for:
- Chefs,
- Kitchen assistants,
- Waiters,
- Hotel staff.
Changing career expectations among Europeans mean that the HoReCa sector increasingly faces staffing shortages. In this area, candidates from Kenya prove to be invaluable support.
The Ideal Profile of a Kenyan Employee
Kenyan workers are usually:
- Young, with initial work experience or vocational education,
- Motivated both financially and professionally,
- Willing to learn a new language, move to another country, and work in various conditions.
Their mindset is dominated by: “I want to learn, gain experience, and advance.”
Language as the Key to Success
Although English is a strong asset, German employers usually require knowledge at A2–B1 level. Candidates from Kenya often participate in intensive language courses before departure. Language skills are crucial not only for work but also for social integration.
Step-by-Step Recruitment Process
Recruitment includes:
- Selection of candidates in Kenya,
- Interviews (often online),
- Verification of qualifications and experience,
- Preparation of work and visa documents,
- Support before and after arrival in Germany.
The Role of Employment Agencies – Example: EU WORKERS
Agencies such as EU WORKERS connect the needs of employers with the skills of Kenyan candidates. They ensure:
- Legal employment,
- Clear conditions,
- Minimization of risk for both sides.
A success story: Kenyan welders have been working with MAG technology for a client in France for two years, have completed numerous trainings, and the employer plans to hire more candidates every year.
Benefits for Germany and Kenya
For Germany:
- Filling labor shortages,
- Stability in the HoReCa sector,
- Improved service quality,
- Multicultural work teams.
For candidates from Kenya:
- Legal employment and stable income,
- Possibility of long-term stay,
- Professional development and European work experience,
- Transfer of knowledge back to their home country.
Challenges
- Cultural barriers,
- Homesickness,
- Differences in work styles,
- Pressure and pace of work in Europe.
Labor Migration – A “Win-Win” Model
Cooperation between Europe and Kenya shows that legal migration can bring tangible benefits to both sides. It is an alternative to illegal work and a long-term solution for the EU labor market.
This Is Not a Temporary Trend
More on this topic can be found in the DW Africa material: DW Africa – link
It is worth following this migration trend because it is not a passing fashion, but a long-term development that will shape the European labor market in the coming years.
