President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s strong diplomatic and economic relations with Japan, saying the partnership continues to play a key role in the country’s development agenda.
Speaking after a meeting with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at State House Nairobi, President Ruto said Kenya values Japan as a long-standing development partner and friend.
The Head of State noted that Kenya and Japan have maintained close diplomatic and economic ties since Kenya attained independence in 1963, with cooperation spanning infrastructure development, trade, investment, and development support,” he said.
“We appreciate Japan as a partner and friend, and the two countries will continue supporting the expansion of our collaboration beyond government to include business and people-to-people relations.
Ruto revealed that more than 120 Japanese companies have already invested in Kenya, adding that the government is keen on attracting more investors from the Asian nation through public-private partnerships and commercially viable projects.
He said the two countries are now looking to deepen cooperation beyond government engagements by promoting stronger business-to-business and people-to-people relations.
During the meeting, Motegi thanked Kenya for remaining a strategic partner for Japan in East Africa and across the African continent.