Kenya and Japan used the opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) to reaffirm a partnership spanning six decades, pledging renewed cooperation on trade, ports, and global governance.
During a 20-minute meeting in Yokohama on Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed President William Ruto and praised Kenya as a “like-minded country” aligned with Tokyo’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision. Ishiba announced grant aid for the expansion of the Port of Mombasa, linking it to Japan’s Indian Ocean-Africa Economic Zone Initiative. The deal provides Kenya with both strategic infrastructure and regional leverage.
Ishiba also highlighted progress in manufacturing and skills development in the automotive sector, noting a yen-denominated loan backed by Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI).
Despite these gains, President Ruto noted the trade relationship remains uneven. While bilateral trade surged 33 percent in 2024, he emphasized that “the relationship is heavily in favour of Japan.” On X, Ruto called for better market access for Kenyan avocados and tea, urging Tokyo to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Both leaders committed to collaborate on United Nations Security Council reforms and tackle regional and international challenges. Ruto also thanked Japan for its support in renewable energy and infrastructure development, noting the country offers numerous opportunities for mutual benefit.
For Ishiba, Kenya represents a strategic African anchor for the FOIP initiative amid intensifying global competition.
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