By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Kenya-Japan Business Forum has commenced in Nairobi, emphasizing the enhancement of economic relations between Kenya and Japan.
The forum underscored significant areas for collaboration, including investment, trade, and technological advancement.
The forum served as a venue for open discussions, the exchange of knowledge, and the exploration of mutually beneficial partnerships between the two nations.
According to the State department for Foreign Affairs the Kenya-Japan Business Forum is a follow-up to a similar event held in Tokyo, Japan, in February 2024 and co-hosted by Kenya and the Embassy of the Republic of Japan in Kenya, aims to increase Japanese investments in the country.
PS for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei affirmed Japan as a valued partner in Kenya’s development journey, contributing significantly to key sectors of the economy such as manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.
The State department for Foreign Affairs said that approximately 120 Japanese enterprises are based in Kenya, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable practices in their respective operations.
The PS stated that Kenya’s strategic location in East Africa provided unique access to the East African Community (EAC) market, a region of over 300 million people with a positive growth rate of 5% in 2024 and a higher prediction of 5.7% in 2025.
Further, Kenya’s Special Economic Zones, supported by green energy, affordable human capital, stable economic environment, and healthy forex reserves, make Kenya a preferred investment destination in East and Central Africa. Dr. Korir confirmed the two countries have signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty and are negotiating on double taxation.
“Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fujii Hisayuki, leading the 50-strong Japanese delegation has pushed Japanese businesses to invest in Africa and grow their operations in Kenya. Kenya is one of seven countries globally selected by Japan for major government investment,” State department for Foreign Affairs said.
The Kenya-Japan Business Forum 2025 unites more than 100 Kenyan and 30 Japanese private sector enterprises across diverse industries, including ICT, Health, Manufacturing, Shipping and Logistics, Financial Services, Energy, Construction, Insurance, and Agriculture.
This initiative aims to enhance the relationship between Kenyan and Japanese businesses, foster business commitments, encourage knowledge sharing, showcase the numerous investment opportunities available in Kenya, and create a platform for suggestions to enhance the business climate and bilateral relations.