Goodies from India as William Ruto visits

President William Ruto has signed bilateral deals with the Indian government during his two-day visit to the country.

This came after Ruto attended the COP28 World Climate Action Summit in Dubai.

The head of state said Kenya and India share historical ties dating back to the 18th Century and beyond. In 2017, under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, people of Indian origin officially became Kenya’s 44^th tribe.

MOUs signed between Kenya and India

The President noted that the two countries are keen on enhancing trade, investment, education, digital economy, healthcare, research, and agriculture among other areas of cooperation for the benefit of its people.

The president also discussed the establishment of India Exim Bank’s regional headquarters in Kenya with its Managing Director Harsha Bangari.

“Kenya continues to attract international investors from all parts of the world as part of the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda,” he said.

Through his X account, Ruto has also welcomed India’s decision to open its market to avocados from Kenya.

President Ruto also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Open University of Kenya and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

The MOU seeks to diversify Kenya’s programmes and enhance its technological infrastructure.

The President and CEO of Procorp Enertech Private Limited, Srinivasa Raju Gannavarapu, met and explored investment opportunities in the Lake Region Economic Bloc.

Procorp Enertech is committed to investing in transport infrastructure in the region to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth.

Those present on Ruto’s visit to India included Governors James Orengo of Siaya County, Stephen Sang of Nandi, and Hillary Barchok of Bomet.

India supports Kenya’s food security initiative

The Indian government also committed to supporting Kenya’s food security initiative, through the agriculture and vaccine production facilities.

India released $250 million (KSh 38.3 billion), which Ruto said will be significant in Kenya Kwanza’s agenda to alleviate the high cost of living.

“I thank you, Prime Minister, for the consideration of the US$250 million (KSh 38.3 billion) for supporting Kenya
in the space of agricultural mechanization and the whole space of vaccines and other interventions. I want to assure you that we will immediately embark on programs that have already been agreed on so that we can leverage on this facility to provide the much-needed services for the people of Kenya,” said Ruto.

He added that the facility is going a long way in delivering the government’s commitment to the people of Kenya, especially in the space of health and food security.