Ruto’s Appeal to Japan Firms: Invest in Kenya

President William Ruto addressing a Kenya Investment Forum, Yokohama City, Japan on August 20, 2025/PCS

President William Ruto has urged Japanese firms to expand their investment footprint in Kenya while calling for the removal of trade barriers that hinder access for Kenyan products to the Asian market.

Speaking in Yokohama City on Wednesday during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), Ruto said Kenya values its six-decade-long relationship with Japan but noted that trade remains heavily tilted in Tokyo’s favour.

“Our trade has grown exponentially, with volumes increasing by 33 per cent in 2024. However, the balance is still in favour of Japan,” Ruto said.

“We are appealing to Japan to address tariff and non-tariff barriers so that Kenyan produce such as avocados and tea can find more access to the Japanese market.”

President William Ruto holding a meeting with Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of the opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Yokohama City on August 20, 2025/PCS

Kenya and Japan have maintained a strong and cordial partnership since establishing diplomatic relations 60 years ago.

During this period, Japan has provided more than $5 billion (Sh650 billion) in development assistance to Kenya, funding key projects such as the Olkaria geothermal plants and the expansion of the Port of Mombasa.

“Japan is our third largest source of official development assistance, and we remain deeply grateful for the support that has powered renewable energy and infrastructure development in many parts of our country,” Ruto noted.

Beyond aid, more than 120 Japanese companies have already invested in Kenya, drawn by its strategic location as a gateway to Eastern Africa, its fibre optic network, and vibrant capital markets.

While addressing a Kenya Investment Forum in Yokohama, Ruto said Nairobi is ready to host more investors in emerging sectors.

“As our economy grows, Kenya offers vast opportunities for the Japanese private sector in digitisation, medical equipment for universal health coverage, precision farming, e-vehicle manufacturing and green energy industrialisation,” he said.

Ruto also highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties, citing the exchange programmes between Yokohama Commercial School and Alliance High School in Kenya.

“Relations between countries and cities are essentially about people. Cultural exchanges in music, drama, art, sports and education help break stereotypes and make citizens ambassadors of their nations,” he said.

Ruto met Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and later addressed the Yokohama City Council Assembly, where he reiterated Kenya’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties for mutual benefit.