JICA Senior Vice President Ms. Sachiko Imoto's Inspiring Journey in Kenya

JICA Senior Vice President, Ms. Sachiko Imoto, recently embarked on a remarkable visit to Kenya, and we are thrilled to share the details of her journey. Over the course of three days, Ms. Imoto explored a range of impactful JICA projects in the country.

The journey commenced on 21st June with a visit to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). During her time at JKUAT, Ms. Imoto engaged in productive discussions with the school administration, aiming to strengthen cooperation between JICA, JKUAT, and the Pan African University of Science, Technology, and Innovation (PAUSTI). initiative. The main focus was to expand networks in the African region by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Notably, Ms. Imoto had the privilege of witnessing cutting-edge research and development initiatives led by the engineering and agricultural departments. These initiatives play a crucial role in empowering researchers and students while contributing to the attainment of sustainable development goals in the region.

Continuing her visit, Ms. Imoto explored the collaborative projects between JICA and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), which have been instrumental in bolstering Kenya's health sector and advancing medical science through research. The visit to KEMRI shed light on the significant contributions made by JICA and KEMRI in strengthening healthcare systems and combating prevalent diseases in Kenya.
Furthermore, Ms. Imoto had the opportunity to visit the Nagasaki University Kenya Research Station, where JICA is actively collaborating with Nagasaki University to enhance infectious disease control measures in Kenya. This partnership aims to improve the capacity and effectiveness of disease prevention and response efforts, ensuring the well-being of the Kenyan population.

On June 22, Ms. Sachiko Imoto, embarked on a visit to the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Kirinyaga County, where she witnessed the paddy fields used for rice production trainings and the recently commissioned Thiba Dam. The Mwea Irrigation Scheme stands as a prime example of sustainable agriculture, transforming the lives of farmers with reliable irrigation systems and enhanced rice techniques. Later on, the same day, she visited Embu District, where she was engaged in interviews and business visits with key county personnel in the agricultural sector. The Deputy Governor H.E Kinyua Mugo discussed the challenges of agricultural extension and sought information on climate change and market access measures implemented by the Small Horticulture Empowerment & Promotion (SHEP) project. Ms. Imoto highlighted SHEP's remarkable success in Kenya, noting its expansion to 27 African countries and Asia, which led to a promise of further collaboration. Furthermore, she paid a visit to a group of SHEP farmers in the district, observing firsthand their implementation of acquired knowledge, joint cultivation practices, and market research efforts. This visit strongly emphasized JICA's dedication to supporting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering local farmers.

On the final day of her visit, Ms. Imoto expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the commitment and efforts of the JICA Kenya Office staff during an interactive question and answer session held at their offices in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

Throughout her journey, Ms. Imoto's visit underscored JICA's unwavering commitment to supporting Kenya's progress. By fostering collaboration among academia, research institutions, the private sector, and local communities, JICA continues to make significant contributions to Kenya's pursuit of a prosperous and sustainable future.