Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its long-standing partnership with India, citing shared democratic values, historic ties, and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, made the remarks at India House in Nairobi during celebrations to mark India’s 77th Republic Day. He conveyed goodwill messages from President William Ruto and the people of Kenya to the Government and citizens of India.
ALSO READ: AFDB BACKS GHANA’S BIG PUSH WITH $12.8M GRANT FOR KEY INFRASTRUCTURE STUDIES
Mudavadi praised India’s remarkable progress since gaining independence, noting its rise as the world’s largest democracy and fifth-largest economy, as well as its growing influence on the global stage. He highlighted India’s leadership in championing the interests of the Global South, including its instrumental role in supporting the African Union’s admission as a permanent member of the G20.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary said Kenya continues to draw valuable lessons from India’s digital transformation, particularly in integrated digital governance systems and efficient public service delivery, adding that these innovations align closely with Kenya’s development priorities.
He also underscored the deep historical and people-to-people ties between the two countries, tracing their roots to pre-independence trade relations and shared anti-colonial struggles. Mudavadi acknowledged the significant contribution of Kenyans of Indian origin to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
Highlighting recent diplomatic engagements, he noted that “High-level engagements between the two countries, including President Ruto’s State Visit to India in December 2023, have further strengthened bilateral relations” . He disclosed that Kenya and India are set to begin negotiations on a trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment.
