Nairobi: 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 strengthening Kenya’s technical capacity, innovation ecosystem, and long-term industrial ambitions.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mukhwana emphasized that the story of JICA in Kenya is written not only in reports but also in classrooms, laboratories, hospitals, farms, roads, ports, power plants, and above all, in the lives and opportunities of millions of Kenyans. He observed that Kenya is drawing lessons from Japan’s development model as it accelerates its industrialisation agenda, expands manufacturing, promotes value addition, and creates decent jobs for the youth.
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. He expressed that the anniversary is a celebration of friendship, trust, and a shared development destiny between Kenya and Japan.
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. Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Matsuura Hiroshi, described the volunteer programme as a cornerstone of people-to-people diplomacy and a foundation for the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Also speaking at the event, JICA Executive Senior Vice President Ms. Miyazaki Katsura stated that Kenya remains one of JICA’s most vital global partners and that the volunteer programme reflects Japan’s commitment to sustainable and people-centred development. Ms. Miyazaki maintained that Kenya continues to be one of JICA’s most important partners worldwide.
Inspector-General (IG) of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja reported that the programme has strengthened Kenya’s security and safety systems through training, knowledge transfer, and community-based initiatives. He highlighted a recent JICA-supported training programme in Japan focused on strengthening the Safe System Approach to road traffic accident prevention.
The ceremony also showcased the long-term impact of the volunteer programme through testimonials and personal stories from beneficiaries whose lives and communities have been transformed through Japanese volunteer support. A reunion between former Japanese volunteer Mr. Futaki Hiroyuki and Mr. Gilbert Mwangi, a former beneficiary of the Kenya Students’ Educational Scholarship (KESTES), illustrated the enduring effects of mentorship, education, and cross-cultural cooperation.
Other beneficiaries shared success stories, including improved learning outcomes at Nkaimurunya Senior School, youth empowerment through the Bondeni Football Club, and economic transformation among members of the Chuodho Women Group. A karate demonstration and a photographic exhibition further illustrated the cultural exchange and community-level engagement fostered by the JOCV initiative.
JICA Chief Representative Shinkawa Makoto thanked Japanese volunteers and Kenyan host communities for what he described as ‘sixty years of shared journeys’. He remarked that the JICA Volunteer Programme continues to play a central role in promoting knowledge transfer, capacity building, and people-centred development.
From the celebrations, Kenya and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in skills training, industrial transformation, infrastructure development, community empowerment, and sustainable growth as the country advances its economic and social agenda.
