The Kenya Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka welcomed its one millionth visitor, marking a major milestone since the global event began in April, a state export promotion agency has announced.
Floice Mukabana, commissioner general of the Kenya Pavilion and CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency, said this was a testament to Kenya’s growing appeal on the global stage.
“This moment not only marks a successful halfway point in our Expo journey, but reflects the compelling story Kenya is sharing with the world; one of innovation, culture and opportunity,” Mukabana said.
The pavilion, located in the Empowering Lives Zone (P03), has become one of the most visited among African nations, drawing interest through immersive exhibits on Kenya’s economic transformation, renewable energy, ICT, tourism and export-ready products like tea, coffee and cut flowers.
"As the Expo enters its second half, Kenya aims to surpass the two-million visitor mark by October 2025. The pavilion’s momentum is being boosted by ongoing thematic months offering Kenya’s ongoing projects visibility to Japanese investors," the agency said in a statement.
The swelling numbers marks a dramatic leap from the 523,000 total visitors recorded at the Kenya Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai held in 2021–2022, which was impacted by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The surge in attendance at Expo 2025 Osaka Japan, it said in a statement on Thursday, "highlights renewed global interest in Kenya's dynamic economic sectors, including tourism, renewable energy and trade".
Mayu Shimaguchi, a 42-year-old abdominal surgeon from Chiba Prefecture, Japan, was the milestone visitor. She was received with a ceremonial welcome and special gift pack featuring iconic Kenyan products.
Shimaguchi, had visited the stand to learn about Kenya’s biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.
The surgeon, who has a strong interest in nature, world heritage and outdoor activities such as scuba diving and hiking, said the stand brought her dream of experiencing wildlife closer to reality and hopes to visit Kenya soon with her partner.
The Expo’s overarching theme, ‘Designing future society for our lives’, aligns with Kenya’s commitment to sustainable growth and inclusive innovation.
The pavilion has hosted events such as a mini-marathon featuring elite Kenyan athletes and exhibitions on green energy, agribusiness and cultural heritage.
Kenya is also leveraging the Expo platform to bridge the trade deficit with Japan and attract Japanese investment, which supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 development objectives.
