By Grace Gilo
Japanese Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Hiroshi Matsuura has announced plans to expand Toyota’s business operations in the country..
During a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, the Ambassador highlighted that this expansion aims to improve the availability of spare parts and strengthen Kenya’s automobile industry.
“Toyota is planning to expand its production in Kenya because there is a huge potential for growth in the country,” stated the Ambassador.
Speaker Wetang’ula welcomed the move, noting that it would have a significant economic impact in the country.
“This will create jobs and also reduce the cost of importation of cars because we import a lot of vehicles from your country,” he said.
Kenya and Japan share a multifaceted partnership, cutting across various sectors such as infrastructure development, trade, technology transfer, health and education.
Japan has made significant contributions to key projects that enhance economic growth and sustainability in Kenya.
“We truly appreciate the support you have given us. If you drive on Kenyan roads, every other car is Japanese, in fact, there is a common phrase that the car in front of you is always a Toyota,” the Speaker quipped.
The Speaker relived the previous support accorded to him by the Japanese Embassy, which funded the construction of classrooms and an administration block at Nalondo Secondary School in Bungoma County.
“We have started to give some assistance to Kabula Health Center in Bungoma, the work will start soon,” Stated Ambassador Matsuura.
Speaker Wetang’ula urged the Ambassador to support Kenya’s efforts in boosting its economy by addressing Kenyans’s concerns to the money lending institutions such as IMF.
“Economies in Africa are fairly fragile. You can be doing very well this year, next year you have one drought and the economy dips because of food security,” he explained.
The Speaker also encouraged the Ambassador to continue supporting Kenya’s agricultural sector in the quest to subsidize production.
Japan has already backed a fertilizer subsidy programme aimed at boosting the upscaling of the production of cereals, coffee, flowers, among others to enhance food security and by extension, improve the cost of living.
“Japan is a trendsetter in Asia, flowers that are popular in Japan will be popular in the regions in five years,” noted Amb Matsuura.
With Parliamentary Diplomacy at the forefront of the courtesy visit, Speaker Wetang’ula advocated for the enhancement of relations through the Parliamentary friendship group chaired by Limuru MP Eng. Kiragu Chege.
This initiative aims to share experiences and support Kenya’s Foreign Policy Objectives through Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation.
Other Japanese-funded programs include the construction of various link roads in the Capital, Nairobi and the expansion works at the Port of Mombasa that are currently at the Contract Negotiation Stage for the construction of the Likoni Bridge.