President William Ruto will leave the country for Japan Monday night for a state visit aimed at fostering diplomatic ties between the two nations.
In a statement Monday evening, State House Spokesman Hussein Mohamed said this will be the first visit by a Kenya President in 20 years since late President Mwai Kibaki's.
"The visit follows Prime Minister Fumio Kushida's State Visit in May 2023 and celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kenyan and Japan," the statement read in part.
Mohamed said the two leaders will hold bilateral talks that will focus on economic cooperation in key areas such as health, ICT, infrastructure, energy and financial services.
He said during the talks, several memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, Public-Private-Partnerships on road construction and the Kemri Laboratory Expansion Project will be inked.
"President Ruto and Prime Minister Kushida will also address multilateral issues of mutual interest, including the reform of the United Nations Security Council and climate change," Mohamed added.
He said the President will also take the opportunity to advocate for Japanese investments in Kenya during a meeting scheduled with the Japan-Africa Parliamentary Association.
Ruto has previously defended his foreign trips saying he never travels as a tourist but is always seeking trade and job opportunities for Kenyans in the host nations.
Mohamed said during his Tokyo visit, the President will also address a Kenya-Japan business forum and hold meetings with the leadership of prominent Japanese companies.
"During the State Visit, the President will also have an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako," Mohamed said.