Japan Remains Key Ally to Kenya, Says Mudavadi

By Anne Nyambura

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Japan, highlighting the Asian nation’s significant role in Kenya’s economic and developmental progress.

Speaking during Japan’s National Day celebrations, which mark the birthday of Emperor Naruhito, Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s participation in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework. He stated that Kenya looks forward to the upcoming TICAD 9 Summit in Yokohama, where it aims to foster Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enhance trade and investment between the two nations.

“I affirm that Kenya is committed to addressing any existing challenges by undertaking economic reforms at the macro and micro level to attract more investment and deepen economic partnerships with Japan,” Mudavadi says.

The PCS noted that Kenya and Japan have shared a long-standing diplomatic relationship since 1963, anchored on mutual respect, shared principles, and common values. He lauded Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), which he said remains the largest in the region and significantly contributes to Kenya’s infrastructural development, agriculture, health, education, ICT, and manufacturing sectors.

A notable example of this cooperation is the collaboration between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), which has enhanced Kenya’s health research leadership across Africa. Mudavadi also highlighted the Sh. 3 billion grant agreement signed in 2024 between President William Ruto and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The funds will support the construction of a high-level biotechnology research facility in Kenya.

This year, Kenya has already hosted two key bilateral engagements—the Kenya-Japan Business Forum on January 15 and the inaugural Kenya-Japan Policy Dialogue on January 20. These meetings, Mudavadi said, have deepened economic collaboration between the two nations, with Kenya keen to attract increased investment, technology transfer, and market access to drive industrialization.

“Through such engagements, Kenya aims to attract increased investment, technology transfer, and market access, thus fostering industrialization and economic transformation,” he noted.

Mudavadi extended an invitation to Japanese business delegations expected in March, urging investors to explore Kenya’s emerging sectors, including agri-processing, financial services, ICT, and green energy.

Japanese Ambassador to Kenya, Matsuura Hiroshi, commended the cordial relations between the two countries and called for further strengthening of engagements.

“Kenya has been our strong partner since its independence, and we are keen on having deeper ties. The warm relationship is beneficial for both countries,” Ambassador Hiroshi says

The event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Amb. Beyene Russom, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and Zainab Bangura, Director General of the UN Office in Nairobi.