President William Ruto departed the country Monday night for a State Visit to Japan.
In a press statement, the President will engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Kishida, with a focus on economic cooperation in key sectors such as health, CT, infrastructure,energy,and financial services.
“Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed,covering defence cooperation, Public-Private Partnerships on road construction,and the KEMRI Laboratory Expansion Project.” Read the statement.
President Ruto and Prime Minister Kishida will also address multilateral issues of mutual interest, including the reform of the United Nations Security Council and climate change.
Consequently, the Head of State will meet the Japan-Africa Parliamentary Association to advocate for Japanese investments in Kenya, address a Kenya–Japan business forum, and hold meetings with the leadership of prominent Japanese companies.
During the State Visit, President Ruto will also have an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
The visit marks the first State visit by a Kenyan Head of State since President Mwai Kibaki‘s 20 years ago. The visit follows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida‘s State Visit to Kenya in May 2023 and celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Japan.