The Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and the India Kenya Business Council (IKBC) have today signed a landmark partnership agreement aimed at bolstering bilateral economic cooperation and private-sector investment between Kenya and India. The signing ceremony took place at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi.
The agreement is poised to enhance industrial linkages, attract high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI), and foster long-term collaboration in key growth sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and technology.
India remains one of Kenya’s top five trading partners and a leading investor, with more than 200 Indian firms currently operating across diverse sectors including telecommunications, banking, real estate, and healthcare. These investments have contributed significantly to local job creation, enterprise development, and technology transfer.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, CBS, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Industry, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership.
“This partnership supports our strategy to grow manufacturing, open new export markets, and position Kenya as a regional hub for production and logistics,” said Dr. Mukhwana. “We are aligning with reliable partners like India to move beyond short-term trade and build durable economic relationships grounded in joint development.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, CBS, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Investment Promotion, underscored Kenya’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment.
“We are making efforts to improve the investment climate and create a more predictable, transparent environment for doing business,” said Mr. Abubakar. “We look forward to deeper collaboration with Indian industry to drive job creation, skills development, and innovation across key sectors.”
Trade between the two countries reflects a complementary structure. Kenya exports agricultural products such as tea, fruits, coconuts, carbonates, tanned hides, and legumes, while India supplies pharmaceuticals, machinery, and processed industrial goods. This balance creates opportunities for joint ventures and value addition.
KenInvest CEO Mr. John Mwendwa, OGW, described the agreement as a critical step toward positioning Kenya as a premier investment destination in the region.
“This agreement signals our intent to attract high-quality investment and promote Kenya as a gateway to East Africa and the wider COMESA region,” he said. “It builds on growing interest from Indian firms to expand operations in sectors aligned with our development priorities.”
A key focus of the initiative is to reduce Kenya’s trade deficit with India—currently standing at USD 1.56 billion—by promoting exports in horticulture, processed foods, leather goods, and other value-added agricultural products.
Indian High Commissioner to Kenya and IKBC Patron Ms. Namgya C. Khampa lauded the partnership as a testament to the countries’ shared aspirations.
“This collaboration reflects the strong trust and shared ambition between our countries,” said Ms. Khampa. “It affirms Kenya’s role as a strategic partner—open, well-positioned, and focused on innovation-led growth. We see this as a long-term investment in mutual progress.”
The agreement builds upon existing frameworks such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, and regular engagement through trade missions and business forums. Indian private-sector investments have also made notable contributions to Kenya’s healthcare and education sectors.
The partnership is expected to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible business outcomes, unlocking new opportunities for enterprises and communities in both countries.