Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-Kenya Office
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kenya Office has been operating since 1963, initially providing technical cooperation and training programs to Kenyan personnel. Over the years, it expanded to dispatch experts, volunteers, and senior advisors while supporting knowledge transfer in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and education. Today, the office also oversees development initiatives in Eritrea, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Rwanda, and Burundi.
JICA supports infrastructure development in Kenya, focusing on transport networks in Nairobi to reduce traffic congestion and accidents. Regional projects improve Mombasa Port and trunk roads, enhancing logistics to landlocked countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. In energy, JICA prioritizes geothermal and hydropower generation, expansion of transmission lines, and integration with neighboring countries through the East Africa Power Pool initiative.
Agriculture and rural development are key areas, with programs targeting smallholder farmers to improve productivity, irrigation, horticulture, and rice cultivation. Initiatives such as the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion Unit (SHEP UP) and Mwea Irrigation Development Project support market access and increase incomes. JICA also promotes SME development and agro-processing through training, technology transfer, and partnerships with research institutions like JKUAT.
In human resource development, JICA strengthens mathematics and science education for primary and secondary schools through in-service teacher training and regional collaboration. Health interventions include HIV/AIDS, TB prevention, primary healthcare strengthening, and immunization system improvements. Water, sanitation, climate adaptation, and environmental management programs address drought, flooding, and sustainable resource use.
Through technical cooperation, capacity building, and strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors, JICA Kenya contributes to inclusive economic growth, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development across Kenya and the East African region.