President William Ruto is set to leave the country on Monday evening, August 18, for Japan.
In a statement on Monday, August 18, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said Ruto will be attending the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
"President William Ruto departs this evening for Japan to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), in Yokohama.
"Japan's longstanding development partnership with Kenya has grown to over KSh600 billion, making Kenya the leading recipient of Japanese support in Africa. The visit is therefore expected to consolidate Kenya-Japan relations by expanding opportunities in trade, investment, and development cooperation," he said.
Mohamed added that discussions during the visit will center on major projects including the Mombasa Port expansion and the Mombasa Port Area Road Development.
Read More
"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 systems.
"Other areas of collaboration include agriculture, forestry, and climate change, with Japan already supporting the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and reforestation efforts. Both countries will further explore expanding educational exchanges in Science, Technology, and Innovation to develop skilled talent," he continued.
According to Mohamed, Ruto is also expected to use the conference to advocate for greater African unity and integration.
"At TICAD 9, President Ruto will call for deeper African integration and connectivity to unlock economic potential. He will emphasise the African Continental Free Trade Area 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," he further said.
Beyond the main sessions of TICAD 9, Ruto will also hold high-level meetings with other leaders including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishibaat.
"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 Prime Minister Ishiba will focus on deepening the Kenya-Japan partnership and exploring new avenues for trade, investment, and international cooperation," he noted.
Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has arrived in Japan for the conference.
In an update, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said he was received at Narita International Airport by Kenya's envoy to Tokyo, Amb. Moi Lemoshira.
"Dr. Mudavadi is set to join other global leaders in Yokohama City on Wednesday, where TICAD 9 will open under the theme of co-creating innovative solutions with Africa. His participation underscores Kenya’s commitment to deepening partnerships, advancing sustainable development, and amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage," the office said.
