Kenya is seeking to deepen economic and institutional ties with India through expanded cooperation in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors, as discussions between the two countries shift focus toward investment, knowledge exchange, and parliamentary partnerships ahead of a major Africa–Asia diplomatic summit.
This emerged on Wednesday during talks at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, where National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula met India’s High Commissioner to Kenya Adarsh Swaika to review ongoing cooperation and explore fresh areas of engagement that could benefit both countries.
Wetang’ula said Kenya stands to gain more by tapping into India’s advanced industries, especially in health manufacturing and digital innovation, which continue to shape global markets.
“India is a global leader in pharmaceuticals and one of the world’s largest economies. We must find better ways of working together,” said Wetang’ula.
He pointed out that Kenya and India share a long history of interaction that began through trade and labour movement and has since expanded into education, research, and institutional cooperation between the two governments.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula at his office in the Parliament Buildings during a meeting with India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Adarsh Swaika on April 15, 2026.PHOTO/SPUThe Speaker also acknowledged India’s role in supporting Kenya’s parliamentary engagement abroad, including hosting Kenyan leaders during the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth held in New Delhi in January.
During that visit, Wetang’ula held discussions with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on the creation of a parliamentary friendship group designed to strengthen collaboration between the two legislatures.
India’s High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika said an 11-member team has already been formed to work with Kenya’s National Assembly in identifying practical areas of cooperation and delivery.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng’, who leads Kenya’s side of the friendship group, said he is ready to coordinate the partnership and ensure steady engagement between the two parliaments.
The Indian government also expressed support for the establishment of a parliamentary museum in Kenya to preserve the country’s legislative and constitutional journey.
Adarsh Swaika further noted plans to restore a ceremonial seat gifted by India to Kenya after independence.
“We will also renovate the ceremonial seat that India donated to Kenya after independence,” the envoy said.
Attention is now turning to the upcoming India–Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi, where President William Ruto is expected to attend alongside other African leaders.
Wetang’ula urged the High Commissioner to encourage Indian companies in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors to invest in Kenya ahead of the summit, saying stronger private sector involvement would help turn diplomatic talks into real economic outcomes.
Parliament has also agreed to host celebrations for the International Day of Yoga following a request from the High Commissioner, aimed at promoting wellness among lawmakers and staff.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google