By Grace Gilo
President William Ruto will depart today evening for Japan to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
In a statement released by Hussein Mohamed, the State House Spokesperson, he noted that Japan’s longstanding development partnership with Kenya has grown to over KSh600 billion, making Kenya the leading recipient of Japanese support in Africa.
“The visit is therefore expected to consolidate Kenya-Japan relations by expanding opportunities in trade, investment and development cooperation,” read the statement in part.
Discussions will focus on flagship infrastructure projects, such as the Mombasa Port expansion, Mombasa Port Area Road Development, Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone and Nairobi’s urban transport systems.
Other areas of collaboration include agriculture, forestry, and climate change, with Japan already supporting the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and reforestation efforts.
Both countries will further explore expanding educational exchanges in Science, Technology, and Innovation to develop skilled talent.
At TICAD 9, President Ruto will call for enhanced African integration and connectivity to unlock economic potential.
“He will emphasise the African Continental Free Trade Area as a driver of inclusive growth, urge the removal of trade barriers, and seek stronger partnerships with Japan to boost investment in priority sectors,” Hussein stated.
“He will also highlight the need to upgrade infrastructure, energy, logistics, and digital networks to better link Africa with global markets,” he added.
On the sidelines, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with several leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba
He will be received at the Imperial Palace by Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
“His meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba will focus on deepening the Kenya-Japan partnership and exploring new avenues for trade, investment, and international cooperation,” the State House noted.