Kenya made a strong pitch for foreign investment and enhanced trade ties with Japan during the Kenya-Japan Investment Forum held in Yokohama, Japan, where President William Ruto led the country’s high-level delegation.
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI Kenya), attracted Japanese investors, government officials, and business leaders keen on exploring opportunities in Kenya’s fast-growing economy.
In his keynote address, President Ruto highlighted the vast investment potential across various sectors in Kenya, including agriculture, manufacturing, green energy, ICT, and infrastructure.
He urged Japanese companies to take advantage of Kenya’s strategic position as a gateway to the East African region and its robust policy reforms that support ease of doing business.
“Kenya offers a stable and competitive business environment backed by a young and skilled workforce, expanding infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies,” said President Ruto. “We welcome Japanese companies to partner with us in creating value-added industries and export-oriented enterprises that can serve not just Kenya but the broader African market.”
The President also stressed the need to address the trade imbalance between Kenya and Japan. While Japan remains a significant source of imports for Kenya, the volume of Kenyan exports to the Asian nation has remained low.
Ruto called for a renewed focus on boosting Kenyan exports such as tea, coffee, horticultural produce, textiles, and minerals to ensure more equitable trade relations.
“We must correct the trade imbalance by increasing our exports to Japan. This will not only foster mutual economic growth but also build sustainable partnerships,” he noted.
The forum included panel discussions, networking sessions, and presentations by key Kenyan agencies and private sector players, all aimed at showcasing Kenya’s readiness for foreign investment.
MITI Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano underscored the importance of deepening Kenya-Japan economic ties through bilateral agreements and technology transfer.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating Japanese investors through policy support, streamlined approvals, and access to industrial zones and special economic zones.
The Yokohama forum is expected to lay the groundwork for several investment commitments, as Kenya continues to position itself as a preferred destination for Asian capital and innovation partnerships.
Written By Ian Maleve
