A groundbreaking agreement has been signed between Channel Islands recruitment firm GR8 and the Kenyan government, paving the way for skilled Kenyan workers to take up employment opportunities in Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
The deal, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in Jersey, is expected to streamline the recruitment of east African talent in key sectors including hospitality, healthcare, construction, and childcare across the UK’s three Crown dependencies.
GR8 CEO Lee Madden signed the agreement with Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s State Department for Diaspora Affairs, during an official ceremony.
Madden described the agreement as a milestone in international workforce cooperation, allowing GR8 to act as a strategic recruitment partner for the Kenyan government.
“This partnership not only strengthens our ties with Kenya but also provides a vital pipeline of skilled professionals to fill roles in industries that are struggling with shortages,” Madden said.
“Kenyan hospitality workers have already been instrumental in addressing the staffing crisis following Brexit.”
Njogu, leading a Kenyan delegation of senior government officials and politicians on a visit to Jersey, welcomed the agreement as a mutually beneficial opportunity.
“We are inviting good employers to recruit from Kenya, where talent in fields like IT, healthcare, education, and engineering is both abundant and well-trained,” she said.
During their stay, the delegation is scheduled to meet Jersey’s Minister for External Relations, Ian Gorst, and representatives from institutions including Highlands College, the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, and the Jersey Construction Council.
Minister for Sustainable Economic Development Kirsten Morel praised the agreement, noting that it supports Jersey’s strategy to remain open and attractive to global talent.
“I hope this partnership flourishes, ensuring that Jersey continues to be a welcoming destination for skilled overseas workers from a wide range of industries,” he said.
GR8’s relationship with Kenya dates back five years, when it partnered with a hospitality training college to address post-Brexit recruitment challenges.
Since then, the firm has successfully placed hundreds of Kenyan workers into essential roles in Jersey and Guernsey, and now looks to expand its efforts to the Isle of Man.
The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the Crown dependencies and East Africa, while also providing a structured and ethical pathway for Kenyan professionals to access international employment opportunities.
