Mudavadi to Japan: We cherish your collaboration with Africa

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during celebrations to mark Japanese National Day in Nairobi

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said Kenya continues to value and actively participate in Japan's collaboration with Africa through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework.

Mudavadi said Kenya was looking forward to participating at the TICAD 9 Summit in Yokohama in August to facilitate Public-Private partnerships between the Kenyan and Japanese public and private sectors.

"I affirm that Kenya is committed to addressing any existing challenges by undertaking economic reforms at the macro and micro level to attract more investment and deepen economic partnerships with Japan," said Mudavadi. 

Speaking during the Japanese National Day, which celebrates the birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, Mudavadi said Kenya is making earnest preparations to tap into the opportunity and showcase Kenyan tourism and cultural diversity.

"We, therefore, welcome Japanese tourists to visit and enjoy the rich flora and fauna and take in the diverse cultures that are our heritage," Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi said Kenya and Japan have continued to work very closely on areas of mutual interest, including support for strengthening the United Nations Office Nairobi (UNON) and the collective agenda to reform the UN Security Council.

"Kenya and Japan enjoy long-standing warm and cordial relations dating back to 1963, when both countries established diplomatic relations anchored on mutual respect, shared principles, and common values," said Mudavadi.

He further said Kenya and Japan enjoy warm relations marked by high-level exchanges and visits as evidenced by last year’s official visit to Japan by Kenya’s President, William Samoei Ruto, where Kenya witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation in various sectors including ICT, industry and manufacturing, and the infrastructure sectors.

PCS said Japan was a strong and dependable development partner contributing significantly to the attainment of Kenya’s national development aspirations, including the UN Agenda 2030.

"Kenya and Japan enjoy strong economic relations, including trade, investment, and development assistance for mutual benefits. Notably, Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Kenya remains the largest in the region and covers major sectors of our economy, including infrastructural development, manufacturing, and industry, agriculture, health, education, and ICT," said Mudavadi. 

PCS said one of the success stories is the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) cooperation, which is reflected in the rising health-research leadership in the region and the African continent.

"Indeed, in 2024, our President signed an MoU with Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a Sh3 billion grant to aid in the construction of a high-level facility to train scientists in research and development of biotechnology products," said Mudavadi.