In a significant announcement made on August 20, 2025, President William Ruto revealed that Japanese companies have started recruiting Kenyans for jobs in Japan. This announcement follows the president’s participation in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) held in Yokohama City, Japan. The initiative is part of an evolving partnership between Kenya and Japan that promises economic growth and labour mobility for Kenyans.
Labour Mobility Agreement to Strengthen Ties
Ruto addressed the Yokohama City Assembly, where he expressed his administration’s commitment to formalizing labour mobility frameworks with Japan. The agreement will pave the way for Kenyan workers to contribute to the Japanese economy, while strengthening the bond between the two nations. Ruto explained that Kenyan graduates would be recruited, trained, and deployed in various sectors across Japan.
“I am pleased to note that many Japanese companies have already begun recruiting Kenyan graduates for training and deployment in Japan,” said President Ruto. This partnership, he emphasized, will benefit both countries, contributing to economic growth while also fostering closer bilateral relations.
Opportunities for the Private Sector in Kenya
During his speech, Ruto urged private sector players in Yokohama to explore business opportunities in Kenya. He highlighted the potential of Kenya’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which offer world-class investment opportunities.
Ruto also discussed Kenya’s growing tech sector, often referred to as Silicon Savannah, and its potential to collaborate with Japanese companies. He explained that Kenya is home to a large pool of tech-savvy young people who are equipped to work with cutting-edge technologies and drive innovation across various sectors.
“We must elevate our relationship to fully harness the opportunities that exist in Kenya,” he added, inviting the Japanese private sector to view Kenya as the gateway to Africa’s growth.
Japan’s Investments in Kenya
Ruto also took the opportunity to underline Japan’s strong investment presence in Kenya. He mentioned that Japan is Kenya’s third-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), contributing over $205 million (KSh 26.5 billion) in 2024. Japanese investments have been seen in critical infrastructure projects such as the Mombasa Port, Olkaria Geothermal Plant, and various automotive assembly plants.
A total of 123 Japanese investors are currently operating in Kenya, contributing to sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, and technology.
The Green Investment Fund and Future Prospects
In a further push for sustainable development, President Ruto called on the Japanese private sector to invest in Kenya’s Green Investment Fund. The Kenyan government has established this fund, aiming to contribute $40 million initially, with plans to scale up to $1 billion. The fund will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 80% of Kenya’s employment.
The Green Investment Fund will focus on sustainable sectors like:
- Electric vehicles
- Sustainable agriculture
- Waste management
- Green buildings
“We are inviting investment partnerships that deliver strong returns and shared prosperity,” Ruto said, emphasizing the importance of working together to create jobs and drive sustainable economic growth.
Conclusion
President William Ruto’s announcement about the recruitment of Kenyans for employment in Japan marks a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. This initiative not only offers employment opportunities for Kenya’s youth but also deepens the economic ties between Kenya and Japan. With the establishment of the labour mobility agreement, Kenyan youth will play a key role in contributing to Japan’s economy, while also gaining valuable skills and experience to bring back to Kenya.
The Green Investment Fund further complements this strategy, encouraging sustainable business practices and attracting investments that will contribute to Kenya’s economic development.
