This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
On October 22, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta were among the over 170 world leaders who witnessed the grand enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo, Japan.
The President and First Lady attended the historic ceremony at the invitation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, where they were treated to the best of Japanese cultural heritage.
Emperor Naruhito, 59, who took over from his father Emperor Akihito, pledged to uphold the Japanese Constitution in fulfilling his responsibility as the symbol of State and of the unity of the people of Japan.
During the 30-minute ceremony, Emperor Naruhito delivered his speech from a raised canopied throne, dressed in a colorful Japanese traditional attire.
He expressed his hope that Japan, through its people's wisdom and unceasing efforts, achieves further development and contributes to the friendship and peace of the international community.
Prime Minister Abe assured the new emperor of his support and that of the whole country as he officially takes over the throne.
The enthronement of Emperor Naruhito marked the climax of a long and detailed succession process that started on May 1, 2019, when Emperor Naruhito took over the throne from his father.
Kenya's Ambassador to Japan, Solomon Maina, said President Kenyatta's invitation to the ceremony was a testament to the solid relationship between Kenya and Japan.
Kenya is the leading development partner of Japan in Africa, and the Asian economic giant has supported Kenya's development agenda with investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, water, health, education, and technology transfer.
Japan has been a key partner in the development of geothermal power resources in Kenya, particularly the Olkaria complex in Naivasha, which has earned the country international recognition as an African leader in renewable energy development.
