Next phase in India-Kenya relations about shared capacity and innovation, not just financing projects
Nairobi, Aug 7
Ties between India and Kenya should not be seen through the old donor-recipient lens as the relationship is entering a new phase which involves shared capacity, innovation and interests instead of offering funds for projects. For years, India has held an important position in Kenya's foreign policy circles as it has provided scholarships, trained professionals, affordable medicines and supported infrastructure projects, a report has detailed.
"The partnership is rooted in decades of cooperation, with thousands of Kenyan professionals trained in India through scholarships and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. It now aligns with Kenya's ambition to become a regional digital and innovation hub. A key example is the DigiLocker partnership, which will enable secure digital storage and verification of official documents, helping Kenya reduce fraud and improve access to public services," a report in the 'Daily Nation' mentioned.
Over the years, the economic ties between India and Kenya have also strengthened, with bilateral trade rising to over USD four billion annually. The two nations have been strengthening cooperation in the energy sector as well.
Kenya has partnered with India's Power Grid Corporation and Africa50 to build high-voltage transmission lines and substations, aimed at enhancing grid reliability, integrating renewable energy sources, and strengthening power supply across Western and Northern Kenya.
India has provided a Bhabhatron-II radiotherapy machine, medicines and vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic, and assistance in disease-outbreak preparedness to Kenya. Professionals and students from Kenya learn skills in renewable energy, governance, technology and disaster management through Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programmes and scholarships, according to the report.
"India-Kenya relations should no longer be viewed through the old donor-recipient lens. What is emerging is a partnership focused on building the systems, skills and institutions needed for long-term competitiveness. The next phase is about shared capacity, innovation and interests rather than simply financing projects," the report in Daily Nation mentioned.
In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Kenyan President William Ruto on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in France's Evian and noted that both nations share a "longstanding partnership" anchored in the aspirations of the Global South.
"Glad to have met President William Ruto of Kenya. India and Kenya share a longstanding partnership anchored in the aspirations of the Global South. We remain committed to working together for the well-being of our people," PM Modi had posted on X after the meeting.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nice to see India moving away from the "big brother" mentality and treating Kenya as an equal partner. The emphasis on innovation and shared capacity building is a more sustainable approach than just giving aid money. Bilateral trade crossing $4 billion is also promising! 🙌
Impressive to see India leveraging its IT strengths in Africa. The high-voltage transmission lines project with Power Grid Corporation and Africa50 will genuinely help Kenya's energy security. This is the kind of soft power that actually creates lasting goodwill.
While it's good to elevate the relationship beyond aid, I hope we still maintain our humanitarian commitments. The Bhabhatron machine and vaccines during Covid were crucial gestures of friendship. Innovation partnerships are excellent, but they shouldn't overshadow our responsibility to support healthcare accessibility in developing nations. 🤔
The ITEC programme has been running for decades and has trained thousands of Kenyan professionals. It's good to see this finally being positioned as a two-way street where both countries learn from each other. India's Global South leadership is becoming more tangible.
This is the right direction. Kenya is becoming East Africa's digital hub and India's experience with DigiLocker, UPI, and other digital public goods can be a game changer for them. It's about time we showcased our tech capabilities on the global stage instead of just being seen as a manufacturing base. Also good to see PM Modi's personal engagement with President Ruto at the G7 summit.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.