NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 20 – President William Ruto has called on Japanese investors to scale up their participation in Kenya’s economy, citing the country’s rapid growth and strategic role as a gateway to Africa.

Speaking during the Kenya Investment Forum in Yokohama, Ruto highlighted opportunities in digitisation, medical equipment supply for universal health coverage, precision agriculture, electric vehicle manufacturing, and green energy.

“As Kenya’s economy expands, our country offers numerous opportunities for the Japanese private sector, including in digitisation, provision of medical equipment for universal health coverage, precision farming, e-vehicle manufacturing, and green energy industrialisation, among others,” he said.

Japan is already a key partner for Nairobi, ranking as the third-largest source of official development assistance (ODA).

Over the past six decades, Tokyo has extended more than $5 billion (Sh650 billion) in development support to Kenya, funding major projects such as geothermal energy expansion in Olkaria and modernization of the Mombasa Port.

According to Ruto, more than 120 Japanese firms currently operate in Kenya, taking advantage of its modern infrastructure, fibre-optic connectivity, and vibrant financial markets.

He emphasised that Kenya’s geographical position makes it an ideal base for Japanese companies seeking to expand across the continent.

Ruto’s appeal comes as Kenya works to diversify its foreign investment base while advancing its industrialisation agenda.

Earlier, the Head of State urged Tokyo to ease tariff and non-tariff barriers to allow greater access for Kenyan agricultural exports, calling for a more balanced trade relationship between the two countries.