Ruto Heads to Japan for TICAD 9 Summit
Apart from the summit, the President will engage in bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the summit.
The visit is focused on deepening Kenya-Japan relations, especially in trade, investment, and medium- to long-term development cooperation. Photo / Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
President William Ruto has left the country to participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan.
The visit is focused on deepening Kenya-Japan relations, especially in trade, investment, and medium- to long-term development cooperation.
Several major infrastructure projects will be discussed, according to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed. They are the development of the Mombasa Port, the Mombasa Port Area Road Development, the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, and the urban transport system of Nairobi.
The two countries will also discuss agriculture, forestry, and climate change. Japan already has rehabilitation of irrigation facilities and reforestation activities in Kenya.
Innovation and education are also on the agenda. Kenya and Japan will increase collaboration in science, technology, and research. The vision is to create skilled professionals who can drive innovation and economic growth.
During TICAD 9, President Ruto is going to urge more integration of Africa. Leaders are going to be asked by him to improve connectivity on the continent to tap into economic potential. He will also refer to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a powerful catalyst of inclusive development.
Ruto will call for the removal of constraints that impede Africa’s trade and between Africa and allies on the international arena. He will advocate for the creation of strong infrastructure, reliable energy systems, and efficient logistics and digital networks to connect Africa more to international markets.
Apart from the summit, the President will engage in bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders will explore more trade and investment between Kenya and Japan as well as look for new areas of cooperation.
President Ruto will also host Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace. The visit is expected to cement diplomatic friendship between Kenya and Japan.
Kenya’s participation at TICAD 9 represents its focus on global partnerships that facilitate growth, sustainability, and innovation. For President Ruto, the meeting is an opportunity to make Kenya a strategic investment portal into Africa while solidifying cooperation with one of its most reliable development partners.
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