Ruto rallies investors in Japan to seize opportunities

President William Ruto has invited the private sector in Yokohama Japan to step up and seize the boundless opportunities that Kenya has to offer.

He cited the country’s growing export processing zones and the special economic zones saying they provide world-class benchmarks for investors.

President Ruto added that Kenya is ready and willing to work with Japan and the global community to explore opportunities for mutual benefit.

The President was addressing the Yokohama City assembly in Japan, on the sidelines of the ongoing TICAD meeting.

The President is in Japan to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), in Yokohama.

His visit is expected to consolidate Kenya-Japan relations by expanding opportunities in trade, investment and development cooperation with a keen focus on flagship infrastructure projects, including the Mombasa Port expansion, the Mombasa Port Area Road Development, the Dongo Kundu special Economic Zone and Nairobi’s urban transport system.

Other areas of collaboration include agriculture, forestry and climate change, with Japan already supporting the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and reforestation efforts.

Kenya and Japan are also expected to explore the expansion of educational exchanges in Science, Technology and innovation to develop skilled talent.

At TICAD 9, the Head of State will call for deeper African integration and connectivity to unlock economic potential. He is expected to emphasize the African Continental Free Trade as a driver of inclusive growth, urge the removal of trade barriers and seek stronger partnerships with Japan to boost investment in priority sectors.