“Japan has also financed the 140 MW Geothermal Power Project in Olkaria 1, at units 4 and 5, which I commissioned last month. This project has improved productivity and competitiveness by lowering the cost of electricity substantially,” President Kenyatta said.
He pointed out: “Kenya is now a leader in the development of geothermal power sector in the region as well as globally.”
On the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), President Kenyatta said Kenya is committed to hosting the TICAD VI summit.
“We are working within the African Union framework to reach an early consensus on Kenya’s bid to host TICAD VI,” he said.
Kenya also pledged its support for Japan’s candidature for election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2016/17.
President Kenyatta said he, within the context of the Committee of 10 of the AU on UN reform, would work with Japan to ensure the UN reform momentum was sustained.
Prime Minister Abe hailed President Kenyatta’s leadership on UN reform, saying they both wanted to see a significant change in the global order as espoused within the UN system.
“The world has changed since the inception of the UN and Security Council, and we need reform to reflect those changes. We are encouraged by your leadership on the subject within the context of the AU,” Abe told President Kenyatta.
“Japan strongly supports significant enhancement of the African presence on the UN Security Council,” the Prime Minister added.
President Kenyatta also urged support for young people, saying they needed to be empowered to fulfil their destiny. He urged Japan to increase scholarships to Kenya under the Abe Initiative, and especially for Kenya’s growing maritime sector, known as the “blue economy”.
“We must work faster. Time is our enemy,” The President told his host at a working dinner.
Earlier, the President visited Yurikamome Inc, which has a high-speed electric train with a carrying capacity of 6000 persons per hour. Kenya intends to implement a similar project to decongest the city of Nairobi. He also visited the Port of Tokyo to share experience in port reforms.