President William Ruto has said Kenya is strengthening its diplomatic and economic partnership with Austria through expanded cooperation in employment, renewable energy, agriculture and technology.
Ruto made the remarks on Friday, August 21, 2026, when he bid farewell to Austrian Ambassador to Kenya Christian Fellner, who is concluding an eight-year tour of duty in the country.
The President said Austria had become an important partner in creating opportunities for Kenyans, particularly through overseas employment and skills development.
He disclosed that Austria had recruited 100 Kenyan nurses, describing the development as an area Kenya intends to expand in the coming years.
According to Ruto, the government plans to strengthen the programme by introducing foreign-language training at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) centres.
The initiative is expected to equip Kenyan healthcare professionals with additional skills needed to take up employment opportunities in Austria and potentially other foreign labour markets.
"Kenya has deepened diplomatic and trade relations with Austria by promoting bilateral cooperation in overseas employment, renewable energy generation, agriculture and technology," Ruto said.
The President further highlighted renewable energy, agriculture and technology as key sectors where Nairobi and Vienna are seeking to deepen collaboration.
The engagement comes as Kenya continues to pursue international partnerships aimed at creating employment opportunities for its growing workforce while expanding markets for Kenyan skills and products.
Austria has also been among Kenya's European partners in areas including development cooperation, trade, investment and technical expertise.
Ruto praised Ambassador Fellner for his service during his eight-year tenure, as he formally marked the end of the diplomat's assignment in Kenya.
The President's remarks underscore Kenya's growing focus on labour mobility as part of its broader economic diplomacy strategy, particularly in sectors where Kenyan professionals have internationally competitive skills.
The government has in recent years sought to establish agreements with foreign countries to facilitate the legal recruitment and deployment of Kenyan workers while enhancing skills training to meet international labour requirements.