By Michelle Ndaga
President William Ruto recently visited Japan to attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama. During his visit, he engaged in bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, focusing on enhancing trade, investment, and cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting between President Ruto and Prime Minister Ishiba aimed to deepen Kenya-Japan relations. Discussions centered on expanding trade opportunities, particularly for Kenyan agricultural exports like avocados and tea, and exploring new avenues for collaboration in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. The leaders also agreed on the terms for a yen loan to support Kenya’s development projects, replacing earlier plans for a Samurai bond
President Ruto highlighted the need for Japan to address tariff and non-tariff barriers hindering Kenyan agricultural products’ access to the Japanese market. He emphasized the importance of equitable trade practices to foster mutual economic growth
The President expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing support in Kenya’s renewable energy and infrastructure development. He underscored the significance of continued collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals.His visit to Japan underscores Kenya’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and pursuing sustainable development through strategic collaborations. The outcomes of this visit are expected to bolster Kenya’s economic prospects and enhance its global standing.
