The President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta paid a state visit to India from January 10-12, 2017 on an invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since 1981, this is the first state visit from Kenya to India.
- President Kenyatta was accompanied by several ministers, senior officials and a high level business delegation.
- The visiting President attended the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 on January 10 while held officials talks with PM Modi on January 11, 2017 in New Delhi. He also held meetings with the President and Vice President.
Key Highlights of the Visit
During the meeting the two leaders discussed issues of bilateral, regional and international interest.
- Some of the key elements of bilateral relationship included increasing cooperation in defence, enhancing trade, maritime security, counter-terrorism, agriculture, health. Besides, discussions were also held on Kenya’s development through Lines of Credit, procurement of pulses, sports, renewable energy, blue economy etc.
The two countries signed 2 MoU in the area including:
- Cooperation in the agriculture and allied sector
- Line of Credit for US$100 million for agricultural mechanization
India & Kenya Signs MoU for Cooperation in the agriculture sector and allied sector
After delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kenyian President Uhuru Kenyatta in New Delhi on January 11, 2017, MoU was signed for cooperation in the agriculture sector and allied sector.
- PM Modi stressed that broad based & wide ranging cooperation in agriculture, trade & food security is a shared priority between the two economies. They also discussed long term arrangements for production and import of pulses.
Line of Credit for USD 100 million for agricultural mechanization
India also signed an agreement with Kenya on January 11, 2017 announcing to contribute $100 million Line of Credit to Kenya for agricultural mechanization.
- The two countries also decided to deepen economic cooperation and stressed on identifying expansion of bilateral trade among them. PM Modi said that farm mechanisation will open a new dimension of engagement between the two countries.
Joint Statement
iBesides the MoU, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also issued a joint statement after a high level meeting on January 11.
- The joint statement was issued to enhance cooperation in areas of maritime surveillance, maritime security, sharing of white shipping information and joint hydrographic surveys. The two sides will also explore opportunities in blue economy.
- Both sides agreed to continue sharing information and expertise in counter terrorism, cyber security, combating drugs and human trafficking.
- A Joint Working Group meeting was held on January 12, 2017 to prepare an action plan for enhancing security related collaboration.
- India and Kenya decided to further strengthen their security and defence cooperation.
- India invited Kenya to participate in defence exhibitions like Aero India and DEFEXPO. India also invited Kenya to join the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). It also offered to help Kenya in the area of LED smart street lighting and LED bulbs for domestic use.
- They agreed to build a bilateral legal framework with early conclusion of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, an Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons and a Memorandum of Understanding on Controlling Narcotics.
- The two sides agreed to work together to encourage their respective public and private companies to explore trade and investment opportunities while improving ease of doing business in their respective countries to boost the investment climate. The two Leaders tasked the Joint Trade Committee to explore further ways of enhancing trade cooperation.
Kenya :
- Capital: Nairobi
- Currency: Kenyan shilling
