State highlights Japan’s impact on Kenya’s technical growth through JICA volunteers program

NAIF RASHID

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Japan in skills development, industrial transformation, and human capital growth, as Kenya marked 60 years of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) programme.

Speaking during the anniversary ceremony held at a Nairobi hotel, Principal Secretary (PS) for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, noted that the JICA Volunteer Programme has played a critical role in enhancing Kenya’s technical capacity, innovation ecosystem, and long-term industrial ambitions.

“JICA’s story in Kenya is not written in reports alone. It is written in our classrooms and laboratories, in our hospitals and farms, in our roads, ports, and power plants, and most importantly, in the lives and opportunities of millions of Kenyans,” Dr. Mukhwana emphasized.

He observed that Kenya is drawing lessons from Japan’s development model as it accelerates its industrialization agenda, expands manufacturing, promotes value addition and creates decent jobs for the youth. 

“Japan’s rise from post-war devastation to global industrial leadership happened because of discipline, skills, innovation and long-term thinking.

"Kenya is at a defining moment as we seek to build a strong manufacturing base, add value to our raw materials and compete confidently in global markets,” stated the PS.

Dr. Mukhwana added that Japan remains one of Kenya’s most trusted and strategic development partners, with cooperation spanning education, research, infrastructure, energy and industrial growth.

“This anniversary is not just about celebrating the past. It is a celebration of friendship, trust and a shared development destiny between Kenya and Japan,” he expressed.

The event marked six decades since Kenya became the first African country to receive Japanese volunteers in 1966.

Since then, more than 1,800 JOCV volunteers have served in the country, supporting national development across education, healthcare, sports, environmental conservation, industrial development and community empowerment.