The Government of Japan has pledged to continue supporting Kenya’s development agenda, Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya Mr Toshihisa Takata has said.
Ambasssador of Japan in Kenya, H. E. TakataToshihisa
Speaking on Wednesday at State House Nairobi when he paid a courtesy call on President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mr Takata said the Japanese government will support infrastructure development in the country as well as other projects that will facilitate the achievement ofKenya Vision 2030.
In this connection, Mr Takata said the Japanese government, as part of the Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD V) Summit, has set aside USD 32 billion in public/private partnerships which include USD14 billion in official development assistance.
Mr Takata noted that Kenya can benefit from this development assistance package that was announced by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the recently concluded TICAD V Summit held in Yokohama, Japan.
The Japanese Ambassador commended President Uhuru for the government’s concerted efforts towards fighting corruption and crime saying these are impediments to the flow of investments to the country.
Speaking during the meeting, President Uhuru acknowledged that there are many Japanese investors who have expressed interest in investing in the country adding that his government is ready to engage with and
facilitate potential investors in venturing into the country.
The President said many lucrative investment opportunities exist in sectors such as energy, infrastructure development as well as gas and oil exploration.
The President called upon Japanese investors to invest in the country and assured that his Government will continue to maintain an environment conducive to investment.
The Head of State stressed the importance of regional integration saying his Government is committed to the success of the East African Community.
The President appealed for Japan’s support towards deepening the EAC integration process.
“Regional integration will expand the market for investors, enhance intra-regional trade and facilitate the growth of the East African economies for the benefit of the people,” said the President.
Added the President: “We will also sustain the war on crime and corruption as these are impediments to investments which we need to generate jobs and grow our economy.”
The President lauded Japan for successfully hosting TICAD V Summit and expressed gratitude for the support that Japan has continued to extend to Kenya.
President Uhuru pledged the commitment of his Government to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Japan.
In attendance were Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb Amina Mohamed and Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho among senior government officials.
