The Japanese Ambassador commended Kenyatta for the government’s concerted efforts towards fighting corruption and crime saying these are impediments to the flow of investments to the country/FILE
Speaking at State House Nairobi when he paid a courtesy call on President Uhuru Kenyatta,Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya Toshihisa Takata said the Japanese government will support infrastructure development in the country as well as other projects that will facilitate the achievement of Kenya Vision 2030.
Takata said the Japanese government, as part of the Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD V) Summit, has set aside Sh2.7 trillion in public/private partnerships which include Sh1.2 trillion in official development assistance.
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 Kenyatta 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, the president 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.
He also 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 also 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,” he said.
“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.”
President Kenyatta pledged the commitment of his government to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Japan.
In attendance were Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho among senior government officials.
