By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, May 03, 2026 - Kenya and Japan are seeking to deepen trade, investment and development cooperation as both countries move to strengthen long-standing ties amid growing global economic uncertainty.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya values its partnership with Japan, describing the Asian nation as one of the country’s most reliable development partners.
Mudavadi spoke in Nairobi while hosting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who is on an official visit to Kenya aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
“Japan is Kenya’s key and dependable development partner. Kenya attaches great importance to its partnership with Japan, which has continued to deliver tangible results across critical sectors of our economy,” Mudavadi said.
The talks focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, education, agriculture, health and technology, areas that have shaped relations between the two countries for more than six decades.
Mudavadi noted that strong partnerships are becoming increasingly important as countries face economic pressure and shifting global dynamics.
“We are operating in an increasingly volatile global environment, and it is important that we continue to strengthen strategic partnerships such as this one,” he said.
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One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the formalisation of Japan’s grant support for the Human Resource Development Scholarship Programme, which aims to equip more Kenyans with advanced professional skills.
The two countries also discussed ways of improving accountability and transparency in the implementation of joint projects. “Our focus remains clear, to build a stronger, results-driven Kenya–Japan partnership that delivers lasting impact for our people,” Mudavadi added.
Japan has for years supported Kenya through grants, technical assistance and development programmes, helping fund projects in transport, energy, healthcare and education.
On his part, Motegi described Kenya as a strategic partner for Japan in Africa and pledged continued cooperation. “Kenya is an important partner for Japan in Africa. We are committed to deepening our cooperation in trade, investment, and development,” the Japanese Foreign Minister said.
The leaders also acknowledged the trade imbalance between the two nations and agreed on the need to create more opportunities for Kenyan products in Japanese markets through value addition and stronger business partnerships.
Senior officials from both governments, including Kenya’s Ambassador to Japan Moi Lemoshira and Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya Matsuura Hiroshi, attended the meeting.