President William Ruto has departed the country for Japan to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), in Yokohama.
The visit is expected to consolidate Kenya-Japan relations by expanding opportunities in trade, investment and development cooperation.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the discussions 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 system.
Other areas of collaboration include agriculture, forestry and climate change, with Japan already supporting the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and reforestation efforts.
Kenya and Japan are also expected to explore the expansion of educational exchanges in Science, Technology and innovation to develop skilled talent.
At TICAD 9, the Head of State will call for deeper African integration and connectivity to unlock economic potential. He is expected to emphasize the African Continental Free Trade as a driver of inclusive growth, urge the removal of trade barriers and seek stronger partnerships with Japan to boost investment in priority sectors.
He will also highlight the need to upgrade infrastructure, energy, logistics and digital networks to better link Africa with global markets.
On the sidelines, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with several leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and will be received at the Imperial Palace by Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
His meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister will focus on deepening the Kenya-Japan partnership and exploring new avenues for trade, investment and international cooperation.
