Kenya Receives USD33 Million From Japan

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said his government has an interest in supporting Kenya in infrastructural projects such as power, Maritime as well as pipeline.

Shinzo said this after an agreement with President Uhuru Kenyatta to deepen Kenya’s partnership with Japan, in a meeting that was held in his official residence in Tokyo on Friday.

The two leaders have touched on investments in the energy sector focusing on geothermal power development, Maritime field scholarships for Kenyans, infrastructure and security.

On matters security, the president and the PM have discussed on how to end terrorism threats around the globe, adding that exchange of intelligence information will help combat insecurity and radicalization.

"We want to work with Kenya to secure stability in Africa," said Mr. Abe.

NON-MILITARY SECURITY PROJECTS

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that the two countries should encourage collaboration with the international partners so as to completely eliminate terrorism. He has also commended Japan for funding non-military security projects through its official development assistance.

"The non-military assistance – in the amount of US $ 200 million – to countries affected by terrorism in the Middle East and Africa is a very welcome gesture," said the President.

Kenyatta has also added that the relationship between Kenya and Japan has become closer following the faster awareness of Japan’s contribution in a number of sectors such as education among Kenyans.

Japan has helped Kenya in financing of the Mombasa port expansion project in two phases and 140 MW geothermal power project in Olkaria phase one.

Kenya has also pledged to support Japan’s candidature for election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2016/17.

‘We are working within the African Union framework to reach an early consensus on Kenya’s bid to host TICAD V,’ said Mr. Kenyatta

The president was accompanied by foreign affairs cabinet secretary Amina Mohamed, transport Cabinet secretary Eng. Michael Kamau and Energy Cabinet secretary Henry Rotich.

By PSCU. Additional report by Musalia Wycliffe