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President William Samoei Ruto, PhD has announced that Kenya will establish a formal labour mobility framework with Japan, a move aimed at creating more opportunities for skilled Kenyans to work in Japan while strengthening bilateral economic ties. Speaking during his address to the Yokohama City Assembly on August 20, 2025, Ruto noted that Japanese companies are increasingly seeking Kenyan talent, particularly among young professionals who are well-trained and tech-savvy. He emphasized that Kenya’s youthful workforce provides a competitive edge in meeting the demands of modern industries, with many Kenyan graduates already being recruited for training and deployment in Japan.
Ruto also positioned Kenya as an attractive investment hub, highlighting the country’s reliance on renewable energy. He pointed out that 90 per cent of Kenya’s national energy mix is green and renewable, offering investors access to reliable and competitively priced power with one of the lowest carbon footprints globally. This, he noted, creates an enabling environment for companies seeking sustainable industrial capacity, further enhanced by Kenya’s agricultural sector, which produces high-quality products through climate-conscious and sustainable practices.
In addition, Ruto emphasised Kenya’s strategic role as a gateway to East Africa, a regional bloc comprising eight nations with a population of 300 million and a combined GDP of nearly $ 330 billion. He explained that regional integration has unlocked significant opportunities, not just within East Africa but across the entire African continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area. This positions Kenya as a vital entry point for global investors looking to expand into Africa’s rapidly growing markets.
The President’s message was clear: Kenya is ready to deepen its partnership with Japan by leveraging its skilled human capital, renewable energy advantage, and strategic regional positioning. Just as Yokohama serves as Japan’s gateway to the world, Ruto stated that Kenya stands as the gateway to East Africa and beyond, inviting Japanese investors to tap into a future defined by collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.