Ruto and First Lady Rachel to visit Japan from February 6–9, 2025.
President William Ruto, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, will make his first official state visit to Japan from February 6 to 9, 2025. His main agenda will be participating in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) and engaging in bilateral discussions with Japanese leaders, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
While in Tokyo, Ruto will pay a courtesy call on Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, who will host him for a state luncheon. He will later attend a state dinner with Prime Minister Ishiba and his spouse, further strengthening diplomatic ties.
According to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the visit reaffirms Kenya’s partnership with Japan, a country that has invested over Sh600 billion in Nairobi, its largest aid program in Africa. Discussions will highlight: Expansion of Mombasa Port. Development of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone. Upgrades to Nairobi’s urban transport system.
The agenda also covers climate resilience, reforestation, and modern agriculture, as well as partnerships in science, technology, and innovation to prepare Kenyan youth for global opportunities.
Ruto is expected to advocate for the removal of trade barriers and attract new investments in energy, logistics, and digital infrastructure. He will also emphasise African integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Beyond central government ties, Ruto will travel to Aichi Prefecture to promote subnational partnerships and exchanges, reflecting a broader strategy to strengthen Kenya–Japan relations.
The trip illustrates Kenya’s wider diplomatic approach of building stronger global partnerships while sustaining Japan’s role as a trusted ally in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable growth.
