Ruto meets Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of TICAD 9 conference
President William Ruto has met Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of the opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama City, in a bid to reaffirm Kenya’s longstanding partnership with Japan.
In a statement posted on his X account on August 20, 2025, Ruto noted that Kenya and Japan have maintained a strong and cordial relationship for over six decades.
“Kenya and Japan have a strong and cordial partnership that goes back 60 years. Our trade has grown exponentially in that period, with trade growing by 33 per cent in 2024. However, the trade relationship is heavily in favour of Japan,” Ruto stated.
Details of the meeting
During the meeting, Ruto highlighted the need for Japan to address tariff and non-tariff barriers to enhance access for Kenyan agricultural produce, including avocados and tea, in the Japanese market.
“Expressed the need for Japan to deal with tariff and non-tariff barriers so that Kenyan agricultural produce, including avocados and tea, can get more access to the Japanese market,” he noted.
Ruto also expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in key development sectors that have contributed to Kenya’s growth trajectory.
“Thanked Japan for support in renewable energy and infrastructure development in many parts of our country,” he stated.
Additionally, Ruto mentioned that they discussed how Japan can capitalise on investment opportunities in Kenya for the benefit of both nations and their citizens.
“Also discussed how Japan can tap into the many opportunities Kenya offers for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples,” Ruto revealed.
Strategic partnership
Addressing the Yokohama City Assembly earlier in the visit on August 20, 2025, Ruto emphasised Kenya’s role as a gateway to Africa’s growth potential, urging deeper economic, cultural, and people-to-people partnerships between the two countries.
“Japan’s support has been instrumental in positioning Kenya as a strategic gateway into Africa. Our relationship must rise to a level high enough that it fully harnesses the opportunities that exist in both countries,” Ruto told the assembly.
“Kenya is also home to one of Africa’s most vibrant technological ecosystems, widely known as the Silicon Savannah. I particularly invite the Japanese private sector to seize the immense opportunities that Kenya presents as the gateway to Africa’s growth,” he added.
