William Ruto Departs for Japan to Attend TICAD 9 Summit, Hold Talks With Prime Minister Ishiba
- Kenya seeks to strengthen trade, investment, and development links as President William Ruto heads to Japan for a key global summit
- Talks in Yokohama will focus on major infrastructure, climate, and energy projects that could shape Kenya’s future growth and regional role
- Ruto’s visit includes high-level meetings with Japan’s Prime Minister and the Imperial family, reflecting the depth of bilateral ties
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
President William Ruto is set to fly to Japan for a global summit that could open new doors for Kenya’s growth story.
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The trip is seen as Nairobi's bid to cement its longstanding relationship with Tokyo, one of Kenya’s most reliable development partners.
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed revealed that Japan has channelled more than Sh600 billion into Kenya’s economy over the years, making the country the largest recipient of Japanese aid in Africa.
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According to Hussein, the visit is designed to consolidate ties by opening more space for trade, investment, and cooperation in development.
What will Ruto do during the Japan trip?
At the heart of discussions will be flagship infrastructure projects such as the expansion of the Mombasa Port, the Mombasa Port Area Road Development, the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, and modernising Nairobi’s urban transport systems.
Agriculture, forestry, and climate action are also on the agenda, with Japan already playing a part in irrigation rehabilitation and reforestation in Kenya.
Beyond infrastructure, the two countries are exploring educational partnerships with a focus on science, technology, and innovation.
These exchanges aim to nurture skilled talent that can drive economic transformation in both nations.
“Ruto will call for deeper African integration and connectivity to unlock economic potential,” Hussein said.
He added that Ruto will push for the African Continental Free Trade Area to be a central driver of inclusive growth.
Ruto to hold talks with Japan prime minister
The head of state is expected to urge the removal of barriers that limit trade, while encouraging stronger investment partnerships with Japan in key sectors such as energy, logistics, and digital networks.
On the sidelines of the conference, Ruto will hold talks with several leaders, among them Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
He is also set to be received at the Imperial Palace by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, in what State House described as a move to deepen the Kenya–Japan partnership and explore fresh avenues for collaboration.
The trip, Hussein noted, signals Kenya’s commitment to building stronger global alliances.
TICAD brings together African and global leaders every three years, to discuss development, investment, and sustainable growth.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
