Kenya, Japan Renew Development Ties at JICA 60th Anniversary

By Moses Punyuah, Nairobi 

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with Japan in skills development, industrial growth, and human capital advancement as the two countries marked 60 years of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) programme.

Speaking during the anniversary ceremony in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Industry Dr Juma Mukhwana said the JICA volunteer programme has played a critical role in building Kenya’s technical capacity and supporting long-term development.

“JICA’s story in Kenya is written in our classrooms, hospitals, farms, and industries, and most importantly, in the lives and opportunities of millions of Kenyans,” said Dr Mukhwana.

He noted that Kenya is drawing lessons from Japan’s development model as it accelerates industrialisation, manufacturing, and job creation.

“Japan’s rise was built on discipline, skills, and innovation, and Kenya is keen to apply these lessons as we build a strong manufacturing base and compete globally,” he added.

Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya Matsuura Hiroshi described the programme as a pillar of people-to-people diplomacy.

“The strength of this partnership lies in the trust and deep human connections built at the grassroots over the last sixty years,” said Ambass

ador Matsuura.