Kenya and Ireland have agreed to negotiate a structured labour mobility framework that will allow Kenyan nurses and midwives to work in Ireland, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced.
Speaking during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Nairobi, Mudavadi said Kenya looks forward to the conclusion of the instrument and expressed appreciation for Ireland’s commitment to the process.
“Kenya regards Ireland as a valued partner and true friend. We take pride in our diverse and multifaceted partnership, which spans a wide range of priority sectors of mutual interest, and we appreciate continued support in strengthening initiatives in food security, climate resilience, governance, and humanitarian assistance,” Mudavadi said.
People-to-People Ties Highlighted
The CS noted that the bilateral relationship has been enriched by robust people-to-people exchanges, including missionary work, initiatives by Irish non-governmental organisations, and engagement by diaspora communities in both countries. Among those in attendance was Christopher O’Sullivan.
“For more than a century, Irish missionaries have supported the development of schools and hospitals, helping to provide essential services in remote and underserved communities,” Mudavadi said.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted Ireland’s support for the Young Scientists Kenya Programme, noting that the initiative has nurtured creativity among students and opened pathways to global recognition and opportunities.
Strengthening Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation
Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya and Ireland have collaborated in multilateral fora, including during their joint tenure on the United Nations Security Council in 2021 and 2022, where they advanced peace, human dignity, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are keen on strengthening collaboration in the multilateral sphere, especially in the context of uncertainties in the current global order. Kenya reaffirms its commitment to deepening friendship and cooperation with Ireland for the benefit of our two friendly nations and the well-being of our peoples,” he said.
The CS also acknowledged the role of Irish NGOs such as Concern Worldwide in improving livelihoods through projects in health, nutrition, education, and poverty eradication. The Kenya Irish Society has similarly fostered cultural and philanthropic exchanges, creating avenues for both communities to share traditions and celebrate diversity.
Longstanding Diplomatic Relations
Kenya and Ireland have maintained longstanding bilateral relations since 1979, strengthened over the years through shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to sustainable development. Mudavadi noted the significance of diplomatic ties, especially after Kenya established its embassy in Dublin in 2007 and Ireland reopened its embassy in Nairobi in 2014.
The proposed labour mobility framework for nurses and midwives represents the next step in a broad partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare collaboration, workforce development, and shared socioeconomic growth between the two nations.
