Kenya celebrates six decades of Japanese volunteer support

A traditional Japanese sorghum tea being shared during the 60th Anniversary of the Japan International Cooperation Agency Volunteer programme on February 10, 2026.

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 programme.

Speaking during the anniversary ceremony held at a Nairobi hotel, Industry PS 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.

“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,” Mukhwana highlighted.

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.

“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,” the PS stated.

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.

Japan's Ambassador to Kenya Hiroshi Matsuura described the volunteer programme as a cornerstone of people-to-people diplomacy and a foundation for the enduring friendship between Kenya and Japan.

“The strength of this programme lies in the trust built at the grassroots level and the deep human connections formed between Japanese volunteers and Kenyan communities over the last sixty years,” Matsuura said.

Also speaking at the event, JICA executive senior vice president Miyazaki Katsura said Kenya remains one of JICA’s most vital global partners, noting that the volunteer programme reflects Japan’s commitment to sustainable and people-centred development.

“Kenya continues to be one of JICA’s most important partners worldwide, and the volunteer programme represents the very heart of our cooperation,” Miyazaki maintained.

In his remarks, Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja reported that the programme has also strengthened Kenya’s security and safety systems through training, knowledge transfer and community-based initiatives.

“For six decades, this programme has stood as a powerful testament to international cooperation, people-to-people exchange and a shared commitment to human security and development,” stressed Kanja.

He highlighted a recent JICA-supported training programme in Japan on strengthening the safe system approach to road traffic accident prevention, insisting that such partnerships continued to build capacity within the National Police Service.

“The volunteers are not just advisors; they are colleagues, friends and catalysts for change. This JICA philosophy aligns perfectly with our mission to provide people-centred, accountable and professional policing services,” he reiterated.

The IG further assured Japanese partners that the National Police Service remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all JICA volunteers serving in Kenya.

“This includes protecting volunteers currently in the country as well as those who will come to Kenya in the future,” added Kanja.

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.

One of the most emotional moments was the reunion between former Japanese volunteer Futaki Hiroyuki and Gilbert Mwangi, a former beneficiary of the Kenya Students’ Educational Scholarship, who now serves as a county official in Kakamega county, illustrating the enduring ripple effects of mentorship, education and cross-cultural cooperation.

Other beneficiaries shared success stories highlighting improved learning outcomes at Nkaimurunya Senior School, youth empowerment through the Bondeni Football Club, and economic transformation among members of the Chuodho Women Group.

Similarly, a karate demonstration and a photographic exhibition showcasing six decades of volunteer service further illustrated the cultural exchange and community-level engagement fostered by the JOCV initiative.

JICA chief representative Makoto Shinkawa thanked Japanese volunteers and Kenyan host communities for what he described as “sixty years of shared journeys”.

“This anniversary is not only about celebrating the past but also about renewing our commitment to strengthening partnerships that will shape the future,” Shinkawa reiterated.

He remarked that the JICA volunteer programme continued 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.