2025.09.01
On August 29th, the JICA Kenya Office hosted a heartfelt send-off ceremony at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi, for 32 ABE, SDG, JDS and other long-term participants heading to Japan for advanced studies pursuing Master and PhD in Japanese Universities.
The event brought together distinguished guests including the Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Service, H.E Ambassador of Somalia, Deputy Chief of Mission of Japanese Embassy in Kenya, and Chairperson of the Japanese Business Association in Kenya. Their presence was a powerful show of support for the students and the enduring partnership between Japan and East Africa.
During the opening remarks, JICA Chief Representative, Mr. SHINKAWA Makoto emphasized a guiding principle: nation-building begins with people-building. This belief, rooted in Japan’s own history of transformation, continues to shape JICA’s commitment to human resource development across Africa.
JICA Kenya Office, Chief Representative Mr. SHINKAWA Makoto gives his remarks during the sendoff ceremony
Invited guests gave their remarks as well as words of encouragement to the students.
Dr. Jane Imbunya, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service & Human Capital Development shared her appreciation to JICA as a close friend and that the opportunity in academics is a unique identifier and they are to dream big. She added that the mind is not a well to be filled with water but a fire to be kindled.
The Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, Mr. OGIHARA Hiroshi shared his encouragement to the students and emphasized that though they were going to study, they should remember that they are future leaders and researchers as well as bridges to strengthen friendship and partnership.
H.E. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Ambassador of Somalia was also there to give his words of encouragement to the students. He stated that this opportunity was a privilege and responsibility and they were carrying the hopes of respective nations, and that going to Japan was an opportunity to learn, observe, retain and bring back to transform their nations. He added that education was and remains the most powerful tool for innovation of society.
Dr. Jane Imbunya, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service & Human Capital Development.
Mr. OGIHARA Hiroshi, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Kenya.
H.E. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Ambassador of Somalia to Kenya.
The Chair of the Japanese Business Association in Kenya, Mr. KAWAJIRI Hiroshi spoke of the challenges and obstacles the future leaders would face, but reminded them that they were ambassadors and representatives of their homes and their actions and attitudes would play a role on how people perceive the countries the students represented.
The students - drawn from Kenya and Somalia, both in government and private sectors - were encouraged to embrace their studies, challenge themselves, and become agents of change in their communities. Their journey is not just academic; it’s a bridge between cultures, a step toward sustainable development, and a personal transformation.
In his closing remarks, JICA Chief Representative offered practical advice:
�� Write down your dreams and goals—place them where you can see them daily. This simple act can powerfully guide your journey.
�� Embrace Japanese culture—from the seasons to the language, every experience is a chance to grow and connect.
�� Build meaningful friendships—just as learning Swahili helped JICA staff connect deeply in Kenya, learning Japanese can open lifelong doors.
To our scholars: you are now ambassadors of your families, communities, and cultures. May your time in Japan be filled with learning, discovery, and connection.
We look forward to welcoming you back with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and stories that inspire.
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