NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto left Nairobi on Monday evening for Yokohama, Japan, on a tour aimed at strengthening Kenya’s position as a gateway for Asian investment into Africa and securing new avenues for development cooperation.
The President will attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) and hold high-level talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Kenya, already the largest African recipient of Japanese assistance—valued at more than Sh600 billion—hopes to expand that partnership through increased trade, investment, and strategic collaboration.
Why the Visit Matters
Ruto’s trip is designed to lock in support for flagship infrastructure projects such as the Mombasa Port expansion, the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, and Nairobi’s urban transport system.
Beyond infrastructure, he will also seek cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, forestry, climate change, and educational exchanges in science and technology.
At TICAD 9, the President is expected to push for deeper African economic integration. He will advocate for the removal of trade barriers, spotlight the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a driver of inclusive growth, and call for greater investment in energy, logistics, and digital networks to connect Africa to global markets.
Diplomacy and Partnerships
During his Japan visit, Ruto will meet several African and global leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
He is also scheduled to be received at the Imperial Palace by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako before holding formal talks with Prime Minister Ishiba focused on trade, investment, and international cooperation.
The visit is part of Ruto’s strategy of leveraging global partnerships to advance Kenya’s development agenda and position the country as a leading hub for innovation and investment in Africa.
