Economic Opportunities Jobs

KENYA, MINNESOTA TO FORGE AGRICULTURAL LABOR PARTNERSHIP

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Thursday, June 5, 2025(MINNESOTA, US )__Ms. Irene Karari, Director and Head of the Skills & Expertise Division, met with leaders from Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture led by Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Andrea Vaubel.

The discussions focused on leveraging Kenya’s expertise in structured labor mobility to address Minnesota’s agricultural workforce shortages, particularly through the expanded H-2B visa program.

The dialogue emphasized Kenya’s proven success in other global labour programmes, such as partnerships with the UK’s agricultural sector and Ontario’s Fruit and Vegetables Growers Association in Canada. Kenya’s initiatives like Mwalimu Majuu and Mhandisi Majuu, further demonstrate its capacity for scalable labor collaborations.

Ms. Karari highlighted Kenya’s three-pronged job creation strategy—Kazi Kwa Ground (local jobs), Kazi Mtandaoni (digital jobs), and Kazi Majuu (overseas jobs)—which prioritizes worker protection, skills development, and regulatory frameworks.

The talks also explored reciprocal benefits, including Minnesota’s potential support for Kenya’s agricultural exports to Europe through technical training, while Kenya could align its educational programs with U.S. market needs to foster sustainable workforce growth.

A key outcome was the announcement of a January 2025 trade mission to Kenya, led by Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley of District 38A, to connect Minnesota employers with Kenyan training institutions.

This follows successful 2024 healthcare sector collaborations, underscoring a commitment to long-term partnership.

Present in the meeting were International Trade Representative, Mr. Jeffrey Phillips, Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Patrice Bailey, and Ms. Lillian Otieno, Director of the Emerging Farmers Office. #SkillsTransfer #KaziMajuu#SkillsTransfer #KaziMajuu