Kenya-Japan relations mark 60 years of growth and cooperation

By Robert Mutasi 

President William Ruto hailed the growing bond between Kenya and Japan when he bade farewell to Japanese Ambassador Ken Okaniwa at State House, Nairobi.

The function, which marked the end of Ambassador Okaniwa's tour of duty, also underlined 60 solid years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, that have grown stronger across many sectors, such as infrastructure, agriculture, and education.

President Ruto expressed his gratitude to Japan for great achievement in the development of Kenya through investments in infrastructure and capacity building, among other areas of cooperation.

Significant projects identified include the upgrading of the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the construction of strategic transport infrastructure, including the Southern Bypass in Mombasa.

Equally, Japan has contributed to helping Kenya in its effort to create a sustainable agricultural sector, coupled with renewable energy projects both in geothermal and solar power.

Trade between the two countries has also thrived in the recent past. Kenya has been able to export goods valued at about KSh 4.84 billion to Japan, while the imports are at KSh 46.1 billion in 2023 alone.

Japanese companies have increasingly invested in Kenya, estimated to be about 144 Japanese firms operating in the country. Such enterprises contribute to creating jobs, hence improving the business environment in Kenya altogether.

During his tenure, Ambassador Okaniwa worked closely with the government and people of Kenya in an effort to better relations that were commonplace for them and their partners in Japan to handle such global concerns as climate change and regional peace initiatives.

With Kenya increasingly consolidating her position as a regional player for East Africa in economic and political domains, Japan remains one of the most important partners of this country for its growth and stability.

Looking into the future, an excited President Ruto said he was looking forward to future engagements and commitment by Kenya to sustaining even closer ties with Japan as both countries prospectively seek new ways of working together.

This was captured during debates on the visit by Ruto to Japan starting next year to further deepen the bilateral relations.