Japan steps up charm offensive in Africa, third stop Kenya
Japan has embarked on a charm offensive of the African continent to woo investors in a move to wrestle the Western influence.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio made his two-day debut State visit to Kenya on Tuesday as he seeks to enhance bilateral ties between the two countries, which date back to independence since he took over office.
Kenya is viewed by Japan as the gateway and the regional hub in terms of being the largest Economic Zone in East and Central Africa.
As of last year, funding from Japan earmarked for projects under Infrastructure Department stood at KES 17.66 billion, with the Energy Ministry getting KES 9.17 billion) and the Treasury KES 2 billion, among others.
Former National Treasury Cabinet secretary Ukur Yatani said then that the government was targeting KES 120.44 billion from rich countries at the start of the current financial year.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the premier is expected to discuss a wide range of topics, such as regional and international issues, including Ukraine, as well as bilateral relations.
“Prime Minister Kishida intends to show those countries (Kenya) Japan’s resolve to maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law towards the G7 Hiroshima Summit and confirm further cooperation with them on various global issues,” the ministry stated.
The PM who kicked off his overseas tour end of last month, has visited Egypt, Ghana and departs from Nairobi today as he heads to Maputo, Mozambique and thereafter concluded his trip in Singapore where he will race the Japan-Singapore Summit.
In 2016, the late former PM Shinzo Abe held bilateral talks with retired president Uhuru Kenyatta at the State House on the sidelines of the inaugural African Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD) held in Nairobi.
The two leaders then discussed a range of issues, with Abe expressing hope to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as developing the Mombasa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform.
On his part, President Kenyatta lauded Japan’s continuous support with Kenya’s economic and social development including Mombasa SEZ development and the energy sector.
Kenyatta stated that he hoped to continue to work together with Japan in the international arena including the UN reform.
Based on the reaffirmed diplomatic relations, Kenya’s development Cooperation with Japan was anchored in the Fifth Yokohama Action Plan and TICAD VI Nairobi Declaration as well as its implementation Plan.
Kenya’s commitment to sustaining its engagement with Japan along the TICAD framework was demonstrated by the country hosting the sixth TICAD Summit.
This was the very first time for the TICAD Conference to be held outside Japan since its inception in 1993.
As a result, Kenya participated in TICAD VII held in August 2019 in Yokahama, Japan, in a major way, headlining the government plans to co-host three major side events namely: Blue Economy side event, Pre-Nairobi ICPD 25 Summit side event and Diaspora side event.
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1963 with resident diplomatic missions in their respective capitals at the Ambassadorial level.
Japan opened her Mission in Nairobi in 1964 and Kenya reciprocated in 1979.
The two countries mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Presently, Kenya hosts one of the largest Japanese communities in Africa of over 800 people and by 2018, there were over one hundred and four (104) Japanese companies operating in Kenya, with 54 having a physical presence.
Nairobi is the regional headquarters for Japan’s Cooperation Agencies namely JICA, JETRO and JBIC.
Kenya is also the leading recipient of Japanese Development Assistance (ODA) in Sub-Saharan Africa and its main focus is on technical assistance; grant aid; and concessional (ODA) loans.
The priority areas of bilateral cooperation are economic infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and the environment.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
Noma
NOMA is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the struggle for identity within a powerful business family In the heart of Nairobi, the Mwamba family stands as a beacon of success, with a thriving business empire built by the patriarch, MZEE AMAON MWAMBA. However, beneath the surface, the family is fractured by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the weight of expectations.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.