Narendra Modi visits Kenya –first Prime Ministerial bilateral in 35 years
PM Modi hands over 30 field ambulances to the Kenya Defence Forces
India & Kenya agrees to work together in building a new global resolve & strategy for combating terrorism
India agrees to share expertise with Kenya on space-based application possibilities
India and Kenya to enhance cooperation in trade, investment and economic cooperation
- At the invitation of His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India paid a State Visit to Kenya on 10th to 11th July 2016. This was the first at the level of Prime Minister in 35 years.
- The two Leaders hailed the warm and cordial relations between Kenya and India and agreed that the State Visit provided an excellent opportunity to reinvigorate bilateral collaboration and explore new areas with a view to intensify cooperationonbilateral, regional and multilateral issues. To this end, the two Principals reiterated their commitment to the continued expansion of these excellent ties and to impart a fresh momentum for cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
- Guided by the necessity to establish a solid framework to facilitate engagement between the two Governments, the following bilateral instruments were concluded during the visit:
i. MoU on Defence Cooperation.
ii. MoU on Cooperation in the field of National Housing Policy Development and Management
iii. Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income
iv. MoU between Bureau of Indian Standards and Kenya Bureau of Standards
v. Agreement on Exemption of Visa for holders of Diplomatic Passports
vi. Line of Credit Agreement for US$ 15 million to IDB Capital Limited, for development of small and medium enterprises [SMEs]
vii. Line of Credit Agreement for US$ 29.95 million to the Government of Kenya for upgrade of Rift Valley Textiles Factory [RIVATEX) - The two Leaders commended the robust defence cooperation and to further enhance these ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over 30 field ambulances to the Kenya Defence Forces. President Uhuru Kenyatta thanked his counterpart for the kind gift and appreciated India’s support for Kenya’s defence and security sector. The Kenyan side noted India’s offer of an LoC for acquisition of defence equipment.Both sides agreed to continue cooperating in this sector and to share information and expertise in counter terrorism, cyber security, combating drugs and human trafficking. The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to work together in building a new global resolve and strategy for combating terrorism, including expediting the finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations,
- Both sides expressed mutual interest in application of space technology for peaceful purposes. India agreed to share expertise with Kenya on space-based application possibilities addressing natural resources management, weather forecasting and disaster management support.
- On Development Assistance, India proposed to extend Lines of Credit (LoC) for Geothermal Projects and for agricultural mechanisation. President Uhuru Kenyatta welcomed India’s offer and observed that the proposed LoCs would boost investment in these sectors. The President lauded the signing of US$ 29.95 million LOC to upgrade of Rift Valley Textiles Factory (RIVATEX) and the US$ 15 million LOC to IDB Capital Limited, for development of small and medium enterprises [SMEs). He also appreciated the power transmission line projects being executed by Indian companies under a Line of Credit of US$ 61.6 million.
- The two Leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment and economic cooperation. They addressed a Business Forum of Kenyan and Indian businessmen and stressed on the need for the business communities from both countries to exploit existing potentials in trade and investment. The possibility of export of pulses from Kenya to India was also explored. Further, the two Principals tasked the Joint Trade Committee of the two countries to explore further ways of enhancing trade cooperation.
- Kenya welcomed the Indian initiative ‘African Development through Indian Technologies and Innovations’ (ADITI) to explore sharing, implementing and commercializing technologies and innovations that aim to spur growth, both in Africa & India.
- The two leaders agreed on the importance of bolstering cooperation in the Health and Pharmaceutical sector. To this end,Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the gifting of a telecobalt cancer therapy machine – the Bhabhatron II; a donation of essential/ARV medicines and medical equipment and capacity building/training programmes in the health sector. The Indian side assured that positive consideration will be given to extend a LoC for the establishment of 100 bed Cancer Hospital in Kenya. President Uhuru Kenyatta appreciated the kind gesture which will bring cancer treatment and management closer home for many Kenyans.
- Given the importance of cooperation in education and in response to the offer by India to increase scholarships for Kenyans, President Uhuru Kenyatta appreciated the role of Indian universities in training Kenyan graduates who are making positive contributions to the economy.He requested India to consider expanding training and capacity building programmes in areas such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and ICT which are relevant to Kenya’s national development priorities.
- The two Principals reiterated the importance of cultural interactions and people to people contacts in strengthening bilateral relations. The two sides affirmed their commitment to renew the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2016-19 which will provide a framework for cooperation in culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the ‘Festival of India will be hosted in Kenya in October –November 2016.The two leaders also welcomed the setting up of an ICCR Chair for Indian Studies at the University of Nairobi. Prime Minister Modi announced a grant of US$ 1 million forrenovation of the Mahatma Gandhi Graduate Library at the University of Nairobi. In response to Kenya’s request to develop Kenya’s film industry, India offered to consider deputation of Indian faculty to the School of Film Making in Nairobi. The two sides agreed to exchange coaches for training in athletics and cricket as a way of promoting sports cooperation.
- President Uhuru Kenyatta congratulated his counterpart on India’s leadership role in the launching of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 30th November 2015. Both Leaders agreed that their Governments will work together to achieve ISA objectives for accelerated development and deployment of solar energy by facilitating availability, of technologies, finance, research and development and capacity building. Noting that capacity building is an essential element in achieving energy access and energy security, India will support training and capacity building in the areas of clean and renewable energy transmission, grid integration of renewables, grid management and energy efficiency.Towards this, India offered its expertise in the area of LED smart street lighting and LED bulbs for domestic use.
- The two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation to advance the sustainable development agenda at the multilateral level and to work together to strengthen the status of the United Nations Office in Nairobi and UN Habitat as preparations continue for the Habitat III Conference in October 2016.
- The two leaders reiterated their strong support for the ongoing reform of the United Nations and its principal organs with a view to making the institution more democratic, representative, transparent and efficient so that it can deal more effectively with the myriad challenges of the contemporary world. They emphasized the importance of an early reform of the United Nations Security Council, in both permanent and non-permanent membership categories, so that it reflects the current realities and functions in an accountable, representative and effective manner.
- Given the two countries shared interest in the Indian Ocean and the importance of the Blue Economy, the two leaders agreed to pursue initiatives in the sustainable management and extraction of ocean based resources.The two leaders reaffirmed the importance that both countries attached to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and agreed to work towards finalizing the agreement on Cooperation in the Blue Economy.
- The Prime Minister of India expressed his gratitude to President Uhuru Kenyatta and to the people of Kenya for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation during his State visit. He also congratulated President Kenyatta for the success of his initiatives and achievements during the past three years under his strong and focused leadership. The Prime Minister of India extended an invitation toPresident Kenyatta to visit India, which he accepted.
- President Kenyatta thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his delegation for visiting Kenya. He acknowledged the important role that the Prime Minister is playing both nationally and internationally. The President accepted the invitation of the Prime Minister and promised that at the appropriate time, he would visit India.
