Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya paid official Visit to India from 10-12 January 2017. Bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Kenyatta were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The talks covered issues of bilateral, regional and international interest.
As members of the Indian Ocean Littoral States, both sides emphasised the importance of further consolidating the security and defence cooperation between the two countries.
The two leaders recognised that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation was expected to give a major boost to defence cooperation. The leaders called for the early convening of the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Defence and Maritime Cooperation.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in areas of maritime surveillance, maritime security; sharing of white shipping information and joint hydrographic surveys. India also invited Kenya to participate in exhibitions like Aero-India and DEFEXPO.
The leaders directed that the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Security be expedited to prepare an action plan for enhancing security related collaboration.
Both sides agreed to continue sharing information and expertise in counter terrorism, cyber security, combating drugs and human trafficking. It was 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.
On developmental assistance, President Kenyatta appreciated the power transmission line projects being executed by Indian companies under a Line of Credit (LOC) of US$ 61.6 million.
Both Leaders noted with satisfaction that the implementation of US$ 29.95 million LOC for up-gradation of Rift Valley Textiles Factory (RIVATEX) and US$ 15 million LOC to IDB Capital Limited, for development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was in progress. Both sides welcomed the signing of US$ 100 million LOC for agricultural mechanisation in Kenya.
President Kenyatta welcomed participation of Indian private sector in development of infrastructure related projects in Kenya. The two Leaders welcomed the first meeting of Joint Technical Committee on Housing held in New Delhi on 9 January 2017 as well as revival of the Joint Business Council.
President Kenyatta thanked India for the progress in installation of a telecobalt cancer therapy machine – the Bhabhatron II at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi and appreciated training given to Kenyan oncologists under the India Africa Forum Summit Framework (IAFS III).
He informed that plans were underway to put up a cancer hospital in Kenya under a Line of Credit offered by India.
Kenya thanked India for the grant of US$ 1 million for renovation of the Mahatma Gandhi Graduate Library at the University of Nairobi and the setting up of an Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair for Indian Studies at the University.
India invited Kenya to join the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). India offered its expertise in the area of LED smart street lighting and LED bulbs for domestic use.