KEPSA, led by the Chairperson Mr Jas Bedi, was part of the Kenyan delegation that accompanied H.E. President William Ruto during his visit to India between 4^th and 6^th December 2023. The visit sought to expand bilateral trade and investment between Kenya and India where commitments were made towards resolving impediments to market access and addressing non-tariff barriers.

Speaking during bilateral talks with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, President Ruto said India has agreed to facilitate skills and technology transfer, in line with Kenya’s particular needs, in sectors such as health, education, ICT and digital governance.

“Kenya and India share a rich history, trade relations, and a strong bond of friendship. Our partnership aims to empower our people to explore opportunities in each other's nations and leverage our unique strengths and resources to achieve mutual prosperity. Furthermore, we are committed to enhancing our multilateral collaboration to achieve global goals related to climate change, peace, and security,” said President Ruto.

On his part, the Indian Prime Minister noted that people-to-people linkages are essential in the India-Kenya partnership while highlighting the discussions on deepening cultural ties and working together in areas such as skill development. R.T Modi also reiterated the commitment of the two nations to working together in various sectors of the economy.

President Ruto was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries including the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Hon. Musalia Mudavadi; Hon. Rebecca Miano (Industry, Trade and Investments); Hon. Davis Chirchir (Energy and Petroleum); Hon. Justin Muturi (Attorney-General) among other top State officials.

During a Trade and Investment forum which saw the signing of five memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between Kenya and India, Hon. Rebecca Miano lauded the decision by India to open its market to avocados from Kenya. “We will benefit tremendously from India’s capacity and experience as a global leader in technology,” she noted while adding that Kenya has benefited greatly with the continued assistance from India in health, energy, ICT sectors, and Small and Medium-Sized enterprises.

The business forum concluded with an intent set to expand partnerships in technology along other sectors and to benefit from India’s capacity and experience as a global leader in technology. The two countries will also work together to effect change in the world financial system to ensure the Global South can access the resources it needs to develop and transform the lives of people at a fair and just cost.