India seeks deeper Kenya trade, investment ties as it marks 80th Independence Day

Nairobi, Kenya, Aug 15— India is seeking to strengthen its trade, investment, and development ties with Kenya, as its High Commission in Nairobi pledges to expand engagement beyond traditional partners. High Commissioner Dr Adarsh Swaika emphasized the priority of deepening the economic and development partnership as India marks 80 years of independence.

During Independence Day celebrations, Swaika highlighted the focus on trade, investment, development cooperation, educational and cultural bonds with Kenya. He mentioned the mission's intention to engage with new stakeholders, both from the Indian diaspora and local Kenyan side, to broaden the scope of collaboration. Swaika also shared India's recent health assistance to Kenya, delivering 16 tonnes of medical supplies to bolster the country's Ebola preparedness.

This timely aid showcased India's solidarity with Kenya, complementing previous COVID-19 and flood relief support. The High Commissioner noted the growing relationship between the two nations, citing high-level engagements and progress in bilateral cooperation. He praised Kenya's Indian-origin community for its significant contributions to the country's socio-economic development and announced the launch of an Oral History Project, "The Bharat Connection," to document the experiences and contributions of prominent members of the Indian diaspora in Kenya.

Swaika also pledged greater cooperation between the High Commission and Indian diaspora organizations, promoting Indian culture and traditions in Kenya, and expanding consular outreach to regions beyond Nairobi.