President William Ruto has congratulated Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi following her election as the 104th leader of the Asian nation.
In his letter dated Tuesday, October 21, Ruto described Takaichi’s election as a reflection of confidence placed in her by the Japanese people.
"I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your election as the 104th Prime Minister of Japan. Your victory is a testament to the confidence reposed in your vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of the Japanese people," he said.
Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the strategic partnership between the two nations, noting that the cooperation between Kenya and Japan has played a crucial role in various sectors.
"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 added.
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Ruto also pointed to Kenya and Japan’s shared global outlook, noting that both countries are united in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable growth.
He further expressed optimism about enhancing cooperation to address emerging global challenges.
"I am equally gratified by our shared determination to strengthen collaboration - bilaterally and multilaterally - in pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development.
"Kenya seeks to deepen cooperation with Japan in addressing emerging global challenges and in reinforcing the international system to better serve our common interests and aspirations for inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity," he continued.
Ruto further referenced his previous engagements with Japan, including his participation at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) and his earlier visit to Japan in February 2024, where both sides explored opportunities for private sector-led growth.
"The fruitful discussions I held with your predecessor on the sidelines of the highly successful Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), as well as the jointly endorsed TICAD 9 Declaration, reaffirm the shared resolve to elevate Kenya-Japan relations to even greater heights.
"My participation in TICAD 9 provided an excellent opportunity to build upon the outcomes of my earlier visit to Japan in February 2024, which focused on advancing private sector-led initiatives for mutual benefit," he further said.
Ruto concluded his letter by extending an invitation to Prime Minister Takaichi to visit Kenya.
"In this spirit, 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," he concluded.
Takaichi made history as Japan’s first female Prime Minister after being elected by the country’s parliament on Tuesday.
Her confirmation came after she won the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) earlier this month, succeeding outgoing leader and former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Takaichi, a long-time conservative within the LDP, defeated Shinjirō Koizumi in a closely watched runoff vote on October 4 to secure the party’s top position.
Her victory marked the first time a woman has ever led the LDP, paving the way for her appointment as Prime Minister.
She campaigned on promises of economic revitalization, national security, and preserving traditional social values, positioning herself as a continuity figure with a firm approach to Japan’s defense and fiscal stability.
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