Mudavadi: Kenya–Japan ties to unlock more trade and investment opportunities
By Joel Masibo, August 20, 2025Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has underscored Kenya’s growing partnership with Japan, saying strengthened bilateral relations will open doors for expanded trade, investment, and development cooperation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Mudavadi noted that the renewed partnership witnessed by Kenya’s top leadership and Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, will allow the two countries to chart a new course in trade and investment.
“On the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, I joined H.E. President William Samoei Ruto for a high-level meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba. Our discussions opened a new chapter in Kenya–Japan relations, focusing on elevating our partnership to a strategic level that will unlock greater opportunities for trade, investment, and development cooperation,” Mudavadi said via his social media pages.
He noted that the meeting, which brought together Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Health) and Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife), as well as Kenya’s Ambassador to Japan, Moi Lemoshira, reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to deepening its ties with Japan for the shared prosperity of both nations.
On his side, President William Ruto, who also addressed leaders and stakeholders in Yokohama, emphasised the importance of people-to-people connections as the foundation of strong international partnerships.
“Relations between countries and cities are essentially about people. Cultural exchanges, including music, drama, art, sports and education programmes, break down stereotypes and help make citizens become formidable ambassadors of their own countries,” Ruto said.
The Head of State highlighted the long-standing ties between Kenya and Yokohama City, particularly through education and cultural partnerships.
“Ties between Kenya and Yokohama City have been strengthened by the relationship between Yokohama Commercial School and Alliance School. This partnership is aimed at fostering global leaders and cultural understanding,” he added.
Ruto had earlier addressed the Yokohama City Council Assembly in the presence of City Council President Takeshi Shibuya and Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka, stressing Kenya’s readiness to continue strengthening mutual cooperation with Japan.
According to the country’s top leadership brass, the renewed engagements signal Kenya’s ambition to tap into Japan’s technological advancement, trade potential, and cultural exchange platforms as it seeks to accelerate economic growth and broaden international partnerships.