President William Ruto has called on the Japanese government to address tariff and non-tariff barriers that continue to restrict access to the Japanese market for key Kenyan exports.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime
Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference
on African Development (TICAD), Ruto cited Kenyan exports such as avocados and
tea.
He acknowledged the growth in trade between the two countries but noted the imbalance in favour of Japan.
“Our trade has grown exponentially, with trade increasing by 33 per cent in 2024. However, the trade relationship is heavily in favour of Japan,” Ruto stated.
He urged Japan to support Kenya’s efforts to expand exports by reviewing restrictive market access policies that limit opportunities for Kenyan products in the Japanese market.
In response, Ishiba pledged that his administration would examine both tariff and non-tariff barriers and respond appropriately.
Ruto also welcomed the signing of a statement of intent on the Samurai Bond, a financial instrument Kenya plans to issue in Japan’s financial markets as part of efforts to diversify resource mobilisation.
“This is a positive move that will help us broaden our financing options and strengthen bilateral financial cooperation,” Ruto said.
Ruto highlighted Kenya’s interest in enhancing electric vehicle (e-vehicle) mobility, noting ongoing discussions with Toyota Corporation on expanding opportunities in that sector.
He said it was important for Kenya and Japan to agree on a list of shared priorities to guide cooperation in emerging technologies and green energy.
He also applauded Japan’s contributions to infrastructure, renewable energy, and education in Kenya, particularly at the Port of Mombasa and in capacity building initiatives.
Ruto encouraged the Japanese private sector to deepen investment in Kenya, noting that over 120 Japanese companies are already operating in the country, creating jobs and facilitating technology transfer.
“Kenya’s young, educated, and hardworking workforce is an
asset. We invite Japanese companies to tap into this talent pool,” he added.
On multilateral cooperation, Ruto and Ishiba reaffirmed the two countries’ common positions on global reform, particularly the need to restructure the United Nations Security Council to better reflect today’s geopolitical realities.
Ishiba expressed interest in collaborating on universal
healthcare, with a specific focus on leveraging satellite technology to improve
service delivery in underserved areas.
