Ruto Announces Recruitment of Kenyans to Work in Japan

President William Ruto has announced that Japanese companies have started recruiting Kenyans to work in Japan.

Speaking on August 20, Ruto told the Yokohama City Assembly that his administration is ready to sign a labour mobility agreement to allow more Kenyans to work in Japan.

Ruto explained that Kenyan workers will help contribute to the Japanese economy and strengthen the bond between the two countries.

I am pleased to note that many Japanese companies have already begun recruiting Kenyan graduates for training and deployment in Japan. The Government of Kenya is committed to formalising labour mobility frameworks with Japan, enabling more young Kenyans to contribute to Japan’s economy while deepening the bonds between our peoples.

Ruto urged the private sector in Yokohama to seize the boundless opportunities in Kenya.

He stated that Kenya’s Export Processing Zones and Special Economic Zones provide world-class benchmarks for investors.

Besides, the President said Kenya is also home to one of Africa’s most vibrant technology ecosystems, widely known as the Silicon Savannah.

“Our relationship must rise to a higher level that fully harnesses the opportunities that exist in my country,” he said.

Further, Ruto invited the Japanese private sector to seize the immense opportunities that Kenya presents as the gateway to Africa’s growth.

He explained that Kenya boasts a large pool of well-educated, tech-savvy young people who are adequately equipped to work with the most advanced technologies to drive innovation across all sectors.

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Japan Investments in Kenya

Speaking during the Kenya Investment Forum, Ruto said Kenya has a long-standing economic partnership with Japan, anchored by strong trade, investment, and development cooperation.

He revealed that Japan is Kenya’s third-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), contributing over $205 million (KSh26.5 billion) in 2024 alone.

Ruto said Japanese investment is visible in projects such as the Mombasa Port, the Olkaria Geothermal Plant, and automotive assembly plants.

He said 123 Japanese investors are operating in Kenya across diverse sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy and technology.

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Ruto Asks Private Sector to Invest in Kenya

Ruto asked the Japanese private sector to invest in the Green Investment Fund, which Kenya has established through the Kenya Development Corporation.

The Fund will invest $40 million and partner with others to scale the fund to between $1 billion.

He explained that the Fund will support small and medium enterprises, which contribute up to 80% of employment in Kenya.

Ruto said the Fund will allow such enterprises to undertake green investments in priority sectors such as electric vehicles, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and green buildings.

We are inviting investment partnerships that deliver strong returns and shared prosperity for all of us. Let us work together to translate our aligned priorities into fruitful ventures that transform our economies, create jobs, and lead the way in sustainable development.

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