President William Ruto leaves for Japan tonight

President William Ruto. [Standard,File]

President William Ruto will leave the country to Japan tonight for a State visit, the first by a Kenyan leader in two decades, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced on Monday.

The visit, which comes after Prime Minister Fumio Kushida's trip to Kenya in May 2023, will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"During his visit to Japan, the President will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Kushida, focusing on economic cooperation in key sectors such as health, ICT, infrastructure, energy, and financial services," Mohamed said in a statement on February 5.

He added that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed to enhance defence cooperation, road construction through Public-Private Partnerships, and the expansion of the KEMRI Laboratory Project.

The two leaders will also discuss multilateral issues of mutual interest, such as the reform of the United Nations Security Council and climate change.

President Ruto will also meet with the Japan-Africa Parliamentary Association to lobby for Japanese investments in Kenya, address a Kenya-Japan business forum, and hold meetings with the executives of major Japanese companies.

The highlight of the visit will be an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, who will receive the Kenyan Head of State at the Imperial Palace.