“Our two countries are linked through a close and good relationship as partners. But this is not just about the relationship between governments. It is about friendship between our societies,” said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz when the President of Kenya, William Ruto, visited the Chancellery.

Germany was the first country to officially recognise Kenya after it became independent. Germany and Kenya are not only linked by decades of trading relations, but also a shared focus on expanding renewable energy. This meant the energy transition was at the top of the agenda for both countries during President Ruto’s visit to Berlin.

“Kenya is a true climate champion and an example to us in every way,” said the Federal Chancellor. “Which is why we agreed a climate and development partnership last year, which we will now revitalise with greater energy.”

Focus on the energy transition

In December 2022, Germany and Kenya met on the fringe of the Climate Change Conference in Egypt to agree a climate and development partnership worth 112 million euros. The deal covers areas such as expanding energy sources, electrical mobility projects and the green hydrogen economy.

Kenya generates most of its electricity from wind, hydropower cells, solar and geothermal power, of which plentiful supplies are available in the East African Rift. Renewable energy accounts for over 90 percent of energy generation in the country, and is expected to rise to 100 percent by 2030.

Federal Chancellor Scholz welcomed Kenya’s role as an African leader in climate protection. The planned Africa Climate Action Summit and the Africa Climate Week in Nairobi would make a valuable contribution to the success of the COP28 climate conference, Scholz said.

He also invited Kenya to join the climate club which was established last year through the G7. The club is open to all countries which want to push forward with ambitious climate protection measures and decarbonising their industries.

On Tuesday, President Ruto gave a speech at the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock. Discussions with over 30 German companies focused on investing in Kenya. On Monday, President Ruto was received with military honours by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Later, he took part in the Kenyan Business Forum at Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft.

Deepening bilateral relations

Scholz said there was a need to use the relationship of mutual trust to look forwards and identify areas where Germany and Kenya can make a difference together. The Federal Chancellor believes such areas could boost trade within the EU and in Africa, as well as expanding infrastructure in areas of urgent need such as energy generation and fertiliser production, along with strengthening Africa’s role as a global leader.

German companies keen to invest in Kenya

The Federal Chancellor said he would welcome Kenya joining the G20’s Compact with Africa (CWA) initiative, which aims to mobilise private sector investment. The CWA is a unique format for privileged collaboration between the G20 and partners in Africa.

Scholz stressed there was growing interest among German companies to trade with and invest in Kenya. Everything was being done, he said, to make it easier to do business and invest. “I am also strongly urging for the conclusion of the interim economic partnership agreement between the EU and Kenya,” said the Federal Chancellor. “An agreement of this kind would be an important step on the way towards an African free trade area, which we are also glad to support enthusiastically.”

Skilled workers from Kenya

The talks also included the issue of emigration of skilled workers. Kenya has an interest in stronger cooperation around helping its skilled workers gain the qualifications needed for Germany’s employment market. In November 2022 the Federal Government adopted a set of cornerstones to increase immigration by skilled workers. Amongst other things, these cornerstones provide for increased immigration by skilled workers with professional qualifications. For non-regulated careers, this group will no longer be required to hold a degree which is formally recognised in Germany in future.

Kenya: a mediator in regional crises

Kenya has traditionally valued balance, good relations with its neighbours and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, with a tradition of acting as a mediator. In his role as Special Envoy, Uhuru Kenyatta has mediated in conflicts in Somalia, Congo, Sudan and Ethiopia. Kenya also provides peacekeeping forces for the United Nations, the African Union and regional organisations. This makes Kenya a major partner in strong African peacekeeping, which Germany intends to support more strongly.

“I firmly believe that African-led initiatives for peace and stability in Africa will be even more important in future. This will require support from international partners, which is something we discussed today. Kenya is active on the international stage and embraces multilateralism,” said Scholz. Greater international representation for African countries. Scholz pledged Germany’s support for efforts to increase the number of African seats on the United Nations Security Council.

President Ruto also expressed his view on the war in Ukraine, saying nothing justified it and calling for an end to the war in Europe.