Ruto calls for Japan to lift trade barriers on Kenyan avocados and tea
President William Ruto has called on Japan to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers that hinder the entry of Kenyan agricultural products, particularly avocados and tea, into the Japanese market.
Ruto made his remarks on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama City.
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Ruto also highlighted the longstanding partnership between Kenya and Japan, which spans over six decades. Ruto also acknowledged the significant growth in bilateral trade, noting a 33% increase in 2024.
However, according to the Head of State, the bilateral trade has been in favour of Japan, whereby Kenya has been left out. He further emphasised the need for more equitable access for Kenyan exports.
“Kenya and Japan have a strong and cordial partnership that goes back 60 years. Our trade has grown exponentially in that period, with trade growing by 33 per cent in 2024. However, the trade relationship is heavily in favour of Japan,” Ruto said.
Agricultural boost for Kenya
On his part, Ruto called on the Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to open up Kenyan agricultural produce, which includes avocados and Kenyan tea, to the Japanese market.
“Held a meeting with Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of the opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Yokohama City. Expressed the need for Japan to deal with tariff and non-tariff barriers so that Kenyan agricultural produce, including avocados and tea, can get more access to the Japanese market,” Ruto added.
Similarly, Ruto expressed gratitude for Japan’s support in renewable energy and infrastructure development across Kenya. He also discussed opportunities for Japan to invest further in Kenya’s economy, aiming for mutual benefits for both nations.
“Thanked Japan for support in renewable energy and infrastructure development in many parts of our country. Also discussed how Japan can tap into the many opportunities Kenya offers for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples,” Ruto noted.
Ruto’s Japan visit
Meanwhile, President William Ruto departed Nairobi on Monday, August 18, 2025, for Japan to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Japan’s longstanding partnership with Kenya has grown to more than KSh600 billion, making Kenya the largest recipient of Japanese aid in Africa.
“The visit is expected to consolidate Kenya–Japan relations by expanding opportunities in trade, investment, and development cooperation,” the statement read.
Likewise, other areas of collaboration highlighted include agriculture, forestry, climate change, irrigation, and reforestation.
“Both countries will further explore expanding educational exchanges in science, technology, and innovation to develop skilled talent,” State House noted.
