Ruto leaves the country for Japan TICAD Summit

President William Ruto heads to Yokohama, Japan.[PCS]

President William Ruto is set to leave the country on Monday evening for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), in Yokohama,Japan. 

Announcing his departure, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the visit is aims to strengthen Kenya-Japan relations by expanding opportunities in trade, investment, and development cooperation.

“Discussions will focus on flagship infrastructure projects, including the Mombasa Port expansion, the Mombasa Port Area Road Development, the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, and Nairobi's urban transport systems,” said Mohamed.

The president is also expected to explore collaborations in agriculture, forestry, and climate change, with Japan already supporting irrigation rehabilitation and reforestation programs in Kenya.

 In addition, both countries will seek to expand educational exchanges in science, technology, and innovation to build skilled talent.

At the Summit, the Head of State will push for deeper African integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).  

“He will emphasise the African Continental Free Trade Area as a driver of inclusive growth, urge the removal of trade barriers, and seek stronger partnerships with Japan to boost investment in priority sectors,” he noted.

The president will use the opportunity to highlight the need to upgrade infrastructure, energy, logistics, and digital networks to better link Africa with global markets. 

On the sidelines, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and will be received at the Imperial Palace by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

 Talks with Prime Minister Ishiba will focus on deepening the Kenya–Japan partnership and exploring new areas of trade, investment, and international cooperation.

Mohamed noted that Kenya remains Japan’s leading development partner in Africa, with support totaling over Sh600 billion

Ahead of the Summit set to begin on Wednesday,Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, had arrived in Yokohama, Japan.