President William Ruto jetted out to Japan on Monday night for a trip that State House described as a state visit, the first of its kind by a Kenyan head of state in 20 years.
In a dispatch, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed announced that the visit succeeds a similar one by the late President Mwai Kibaki.
"This marks the first State visit by a Kenyan Head of State since President Mwai Kibaki's 20 years ago. The visit follows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's State Visit to Kenya in May 2023 and celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Japan," the statement read in part.
"During his visit to Japan, the President will engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Kishida, with a focus on economic cooperation in key sectors such as health, ICT, infrastructure, energy, and financial services."
Immediately after the communique, a section of Kenyans took to social media with evidence showing President Uhuru Kenyatta's visit to Japan.
Among the items shared were news articles and State House social media posts showing the former Head of State in Japan in October 2019 where he was received warmly by delegates and offered flowers.
"This is not Uhuru visit Japan? Tuwache ushamba jamani (Let us style up)," questioned Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai.
In an earlier communication, however, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had indicated that Ruto's visit had been classified as official and was expected to last four days beginning February 6.
"H.E. Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, and his spouse, Mrs Ruto will pay an Official Visit to Japan from 6 February to 9 February," read the MOFA dispatch shared on January 26.
Difference Between a State Visit and an Official Visit by a President
State Visit
In diplomatic terms, a state visit is considered the highest form of diplomatic engagement between two countries and is designated for leaders considered strong allies.
The visit entails a formal visit led by a President, without the government, and is preceded by an invitation from the host country.
To foster the relationship between the two countries, the host President accords their guest with the highest level of hospitality including the playing of the national anthems and inspection of the guard of honour.
Before his departure to Japan, Ruto offered the same services, including a 21-gun salute to the visiting Poland President Andrzej Duda.
Ruto was thus accompanied to Japan by a team of 10 delegates or less and his expenditure will be catered for by the Japanese government. He will also attend a dinner gala hosted by the Japanese Government.
In Japan, Ruto is expected to sign memoranda of understanding in the areas of public-private partnerships, and road projects. Funding of Ksh160 billion will also feature in the talks.
Ruto hosted Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio at State House in May last year.
Official Visit
An official visit, on the other hand, is a tour to another country and can include a President or officials from the government.
The official is usually accompanied by a team of at least six people and may (or may not) be accorded some honours.
Working Visit
A working visit entails a delegation sent by one country to another strictly to discuss official business centring on issues affecting the two states.
