Ruto says Kenya is Japan’s gateway to Africa
By Cy Muganda, August 20, 2025President William Ruto has stated that Kenya is strategically positioned as Japan’s entry point into Africa, urging deeper economic, cultural, and people-to-people partnerships between the two countries.
Addressing the Yokohama City Assembly during his visit to Japan on August 20, 2025, Ruto emphasised Kenya’s role as a gateway to Africa’s growth potential while celebrating six decades of Kenya-Japan friendship.
“Our relationship must rise to a level high enough that it fully harnesses the opportunities that exist in both countries,” Ruto told the assembly.
Ruto praised Yokohama as a model of innovation and resilience, saying Kenya was eager to draw lessons from its success as a smart city and expand collaboration in research, technology, and urban development.
“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.
Strategic partnership
Ruto further highlighted the long-standing partnership between Kenya and Japan, which he said has seen Japan invest in critical areas such as energy, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
“Japan’s support has been instrumental in positioning Kenya as a strategic gateway into Africa,” Ruto stated.
He specifically mentioned Japan’s role in geothermal power generation and the transformation of Mombasa Port into a global maritime hub as examples of successful collaboration.
“Japan has been a steady partner in our development journey. Japan’s contribution is visible across key sectors – infrastructure, agriculture, water, energy, health, and human resource development,” he stated.
Strengthening bilateral ties
Additionally, Ruto emphasised the importance of cultural and educational exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties, citing existing partnerships, such as the exchange program between Yokohama Commercial High School and Alliance High School in Kenya.
“When people meet, learn from each other, and share experiences, they become formidable, credible ambassadors of peace, mutual understanding, and prosperity. Such initiatives nurture friendships that last a lifetime,” he noted.
Paying tribute to sporting connections, Ruto honoured Douglas Wakihuri, describing the legendary Kenyan marathoner as the first Kenyan athlete to train and work in Japan, who blazed trails for others to follow.
He encouraged Japanese sporting clubs across various disciplines to explore Kenya’s pool of talent and expertise.
“Today, more than 200 Kenyan athletes are engaged in Japanese sporting institutions, strengthening people-to-people ties and inspiring new generations,” he revealed.
“Just as Yokohama is Japan’s gateway to the world, Kenya is your gateway to East Africa and the wider African continent,” he reiterated.