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THE KENYAN-INDIANS’ CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF KENYA CONFERENCE
- Published On: 2023-06-13
KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki on 13th June 2023 participated in the Kenyan-Indians’ Contribution to the Development of Kenya Conference that was held in Nairobi. The conference follows the ongoing AKAM (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) week which runs from 12th to 18th June 2023, as India commemorates the 75th anniversary of independence. The Conference was graced by dignitaries from the United Asian Network and the larger Indian Society.
In her remarks, High Commissioner H.E Namgya C. Khampa noted the existing strong Kenya-India trade as a result of the good partnership between the two countries. She delved back in time to the great work between the two countries that began earlier with the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway. She remarked the recognition of the Indian community in Kenya as the 44th tribe. The high commissioner further, called for more stronger and resilient bilateral ties between Kenya and India to fuel Kenya’s Social-economic engine and make Kenya the East Africa gateway.
Dr Bimal Kantaria, UAN Chair and KEPSA Food Security and Climate Change Director led a panel discussion in a dialogue remarking on the Kenyan-Indians’ contribution to National Development. Dr Kantaria encouraged a trade agreement between Kenya and India to mirror AfCFTA to be initiated with KEPSA at its helm.
KEPSA Founding Chair Dr Manu Chandaria shared interesting sentiments, taking the audience down memory lane, noting that the contribution of what is now Kenya, the opportunities notwithstanding the challenges, took much effort of our forefathers both Indians and Kenyans working together. He called on all to be proud of what they have built and further national development by building from something to extra something.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Dr Abraham Korir Sing’oei illustrated the modelled particular ways of living by the Indian community in Kenya that makes Kenyans even better people. He observed that Asian simplicity, love for community, resilience, long-term vision, and loyalty to family and assets are key positive traits for communal growth. Further, he noted the pivotal role of Kenyan-Indians’ in various sectors and in national building. He also called for partnership with the great Cricket Association of India and the Cricket Association in Kenya, to collaborate and grow together.
In the plenary session, on the contribution to the economy of Kenya and Kenyan-Indians’ Identity, KEPSA CEO, Ms Carole Kariuki noted the efforts of KEPSA working together with the Indian High Commission in shaping economic transformation. KEPSA CEO noted the existing partnership between KEPSA and the Indian High Commission in developing a mirrored version of ‘start-up India’ in Kenya, that will provide opportunities for the businesses in private sector to network, access tools and resources, and participate in programs and challenges. Moreover, the SME corridor between the two countries is being developed which will lead to upscaling of SMEs in both nations.
KEPSA initiated the SME Revolving Support Fund that offered unsecured interest-free loans, offered digital skills training through the Ajira Digital Program and access to coaching and mentorship on business financing to women and youth-owned MSMEs with initial funding of five million shillings from the Chandaria Foundation.
Dr Vimal Shah, KEPSA Advisor, noted the long-term business partnership between the two countries and encouraged investors to tap into the current opportunities space in Kenya ranging from different sectors including pharmaceuticals, film and education, citing Kenya as a more liberal country as compared to other East African countries.
KEPSA continues to work in conjunction with the High Commission of India on collaborations geared towards spurring trade and investment between Kenya and India which include; the start-up India model in Kenya, the SME corridor between Kenya and Indian SMEs, the establishment of India Chamber of Commerce that will join KEPSA and partnership towards KEPSA business delegation on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India.
By forming partnerships in these areas, the Kenyan-Indians’ community and KEPSA can leverage their strengths, resources and networks to drive more economic transformation, create employment opportunities and foster inclusive growth in Kenya.