President William Ruto
President William Ruto will this evening depart for Japan to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
The visit comes as Kenya continues to deepen its longstanding development partnership with Japan.
According to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Japan has provided over Sh600 billion in support to Kenya, making the country the leading recipient of Japanese aid in Africa.
The visit aims to consolidate Kenya-Japan relations by expanding opportunities in trade, investment, and development cooperation.
According to the statement, discussions at TICAD 9 will focus on flagship infrastructure projects, including the Mombasa Port expansion, the Mombasa Port Area Road Development, the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, and Nairobi’s urban transport systems. Other collaboration areas include agriculture, forestry, and climate change.
Japan has already supported the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and reforestation efforts in Kenya.
Both countries also plan to explore educational exchanges in Science, Technology, and Innovation to develop skilled talent.
“President Ruto will call for deeper African integration and connectivity to unlock economic potential,” Hussein said.
“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.”
The President is also expected to highlight the need to upgrade infrastructure, energy, logistics, and digital networks to better link Africa with global markets.
On the sidelines of TICAD 9, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with several leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
He will also be received at the Imperial Palace by Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
The meetings will focus on “deepening the Kenya–Japan partnership and exploring new avenues for trade, investment, and international cooperation,” according to State House.
Hussein said the trip signals Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its global partnerships.
TICAD, held every three years, brings together African and global leaders to discuss development, investment, and sustainable growth. Kenya’s participation underscores the government’s efforts to position the country as a hub for trade, investment, and innovation in the region.
The summit is expected to reinforce Kenya’s international ties while boosting key domestic projects that aim to transform infrastructure and economic growth across the country.
