Kenya’s President William Ruto has concluded a successful visit to Japan, securing KES 350 billion in financial agreements and signing several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.
The two leaders held bilateral talks in Tokyo on Thursday, where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, health, and security.
Among the major deals announced were:
– KES 260 billion for the construction of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone and the Mombasa Gateway Bridge, which will boost trade and tourism in the coastal region.
– KES 15 billion for the expansion of the Olkaria Geothermal Development Project, which will increase Kenya’s renewable energy capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
– KES 1 billion for the provision of medical oxygen to Kenyan hospitals, and KES 320 million for humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations through the United Nations.
– KES 3 billion for the Kenya Medical Research Institute, which will support the development of vaccines and diagnostics for infectious diseases.
The two leaders also signed MoUs for cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT), health, finance, and security, as well as a joint statement on the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
President Ruto also secured Japan’s backing for the Mwea Irrigation Scheme and the National Rice Masterplan, which aim to increase Kenya’s food security and self-reliance.
“Japan remains an important strategic economic partner whose enhanced collaboration will witness significant socio-economic transformation of our country,” Ruto said.
The visit marked President Ruto’s first official trip to Japan since taking office in 2022.
