Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya paid a State Visit to India in 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.
Prime Minister Modi and President Kenyatta reviewed the status of the agreements and decisions reached by the two countries following the State visit of Prime Minister Modi to Kenya in July 2016, and expressed satisfaction over their implementation.
The leaders directed that the meeting of the Joint Commission (JCM) should be held regularly at mutually convenient dates.
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 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.
India reiterated its commitment towards a donation of essential/ARV medicines and medical equipment and capacity building/training programmes in the health sector.
The leaders agreed on the importance of sustaining cooperation in the Health and Pharmaceutical sector.
The two Leaders reiterated the importance of cultural interactions and people to people contacts in strengthening bilateral relations.
India appreciated support of the Government of Kenya in successful organisation of the first-ever ‘Festival of India in Kenya’ in October-November 2016. Indian side welcomed the possibility to organize a Festival of Kenya in India in the near future.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to renew the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) so as to boost cultural exchanges. The leaders expressed satisfaction over the increasing flow of tourists between the two countries.
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.
