NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya and India are exploring new ways to deepen bilateral relations, with a focus on improving trade balance and strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, following a high-level engagement at Parliament Buildings.
The discussions took place when India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Dr Adarsh Swaika, paid a courtesy call at Parliament, where the two sides reviewed the growing economic and diplomatic relationship between Nairobi and New Delhi.
Acknowledging India as Kenya’s sixth-largest trading partner, the meeting focused on how parliamentary diplomacy can be leveraged to unlock new opportunities, enhance cooperation, and promote a more balanced trade framework between the two countries.
Kenya currently imports a wide range of commodities from India, including pharmaceuticals, steel products, motorbikes and automobiles, reflecting India’s strong manufacturing and industrial base. In return, Kenya exports tea and assorted vegetables, underscoring the agricultural linkages between the two economies.
During the engagement, appreciation was expressed for India’s continued support to Kenyans, particularly in facilitating access to specialised and affordable medical care.
India remains a preferred destination for many Kenyans seeking advanced treatment, a role that has strengthened people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Hosted Amb. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, the High Commissioner of India to Kenya when he paid me a courtesy call in my office at Parliament Buildings.Cognizant that India is Kenya’s sixth largest trading partner, we reviewed ways in which through Parliamentary diplomacy, we could deepen
Beyond trade, the talks highlighted the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for deepening bilateral relations.
Emphasis was placed on the need to promote exchange programmes between Kenyan and Indian legislators, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
Such exchanges were noted as critical platforms for Members of Parliament to share experiences, best practices and legislative approaches in addressing shared challenges, including healthcare, industrial development, education and governance.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment by both Kenya and India to expand cooperation beyond traditional diplomacy, positioning parliamentary engagement as a key driver in strengthening long-standing ties between the two countries.
