President William Ruto has congratulated Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her election, saying Kenya is keen to deepen ties with Tokyo in trade, investment, and sustainable development.
In a letter dated October 21, President Ruto said Takaichi’s victory demonstrated the trust and confidence of the Japanese people in her leadership and vision.
“As you assume this worthy responsibility, I wish to reaffirm Kenya’s enduring commitment to the strategic partnership between our two nations. Kenya deeply values the generous development cooperation that Japan continues to extend across diverse sectors of our national priorities,” he said.
The President said there was a need for the two countries to strengthen cooperation, both bilaterally and through multilateral platforms, to promote peace, stability and sustainable development.
He said Kenya is eager to work with Japan in addressing emerging global challenges and in enhancing international systems that promote inclusive growth and prosperity.
Ruto said his engagement with Japan’s former Prime Minister during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama in August laid the foundation for closer cooperation between the two nations.
He noted that his participation in TICAD 9 built on the progress made during his visit to Japan in February 2024, where discussions focused on advancing private sector-driven initiatives for mutual benefit.
The President invited Prime Minister Takaichi to visit Kenya, saying it would be an honour for the country to host her as the two nations chart a renewed path for future cooperation.
“I look forward to engaging with Your Excellency at the earliest mutually convenient opportunity. It would be a singular honour for Kenya to host you, Prime Minister, as we chart a renewed and ambitious path for the future of our partnership,” Ruto said.
Takaichi, 64, became Japan’s first female Prime Minister after winning the Liberal Democratic Party leadership and securing a parliamentary vote to succeed Fumio Kishida.
