Kenya, Japan review ties in agriculture, energy and ICT
By Faith Lagat, May 3, 2026Kenya and Japan have reviewed and expanded their bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, ICT, infrastructure, health and education, following high-level engagements in Nairobi.
The latest talks were held when Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi hosted Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Motegi Toshimitsu during an official visit on May 3, 2026.
In a statement, Mudavadi highlighted the longstanding nature of the relationship between the two countries, noting that it is anchored on sustained cooperation spanning more than six decades.
“Kenya and Japan share a strong partnership anchored on sustained high-level engagement and cooperation across key sectors including agriculture, energy, health, ICT, infrastructure, education and tourism,” he said.
Japan’s support, particularly through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, continues to play a role in advancing Kenya’s development priorities.
Bilateral agreements and development support
During the visit, both sides formalised Japan’s grant support for the Human Resource Development Scholarship Programme, aimed at strengthening Kenya’s human capital.
The discussions also focused on enhancing transparency, accountability, and implementation of joint projects, while identifying new areas for trade, investment and technical cooperation. Mudavadi stated that the focus is to “build a stronger, results-driven Kenya–Japan partnership that delivers lasting impact for our people.”
Senior officials present included Kenya’s Ambassador to Japan Moi Lemoshira and Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya Matsuura Hiroshi, alongside ministry representatives from both governments.
The engagements reflect ongoing efforts to align bilateral programmes with Kenya’s national development priorities and strengthen institutional partnerships.
Expanding cooperation in key sectors
The meeting builds on earlier engagements held on April 9, 2026, when Mudavadi met Oue Sadamasa, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, to discuss concessional financing, infrastructure development and investment opportunities. Key areas included transport infrastructure and energy transition, particularly electric mobility, as Kenya advances efforts toward cleaner and sustainable energy systems.
In the health sector, the Second Kenya–Japan Health Sector Joint Technical Working Group meeting held in March at Afya House reviewed progress in technology transfer, local manufacturing of medical commodities, research and development, and training of health professionals.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga noted that the collaboration supports Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and Universal Health Coverage goals, while strengthening institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the Kenya BioVax Institute, including ongoing mRNA technology initiatives.
Longstanding partnership
Kenya–Japan relations date back several decades, with milestones such as the hosting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development VI in Nairobi.
Over the years, the partnership has contributed to development in power generation, transport infrastructure, agriculture modernisation, healthcare systems and education.
Both countries continue to prioritise outcomes such as job creation, technology transfer, private sector participation and sustainable economic growth.