Kenya and India’s business bodies sign MoU to boost trade ties
By Faith Lagat, April 27, 2026The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations between India and Kenya.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the India-Kenya Business Forum held in Nairobi on April 27, 2026, bringing together key players from both countries’ private sectors.
The MoU is expected to enhance institutional collaboration, promote business-to-business engagement, and expand trade and investment linkages between the two economies. It coincided with the India-Kenya Joint Trade Meeting, which attracted leading industry representatives.
“The MoU aims to strengthen institutional partnerships, promote B2B engagement, and deepen trade and investment linkages between India and Kenya,” read the X post in part.
India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Akoth Ombam delivered keynote addresses at the forum. They were joined by KNCCI leadership and officials from Kenya Investment Authority.
Speakers highlighted the need for closer cooperation between industries in both countries to support a more diversified and resilient economic partnership.
Focus on key sectors
Discussions at the forum focused on expanding trade, strengthening value chains, and unlocking opportunities across several sectors. These include manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, digital technology, and services.
Industry leaders also explored ways to improve supply chain integration and encourage private sector investment. The forum served as a platform for identifying practical areas of collaboration that can drive growth in bilateral trade.
The MoU is expected to facilitate increased interaction between businesses, opening up opportunities for joint ventures and market expansion.
Growing bilateral engagement
The agreement comes amid increased engagement between Nairobi and New Delhi. In March 2026, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi held talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during the Raisina Dialogue, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.
Recent engagements have also extended to maritime cooperation. Earlier in April, the Indian Navy frigate INS Trikand docked at the Port of Mombasa for joint activities with the Kenyan Navy.
The MoU between CII and KNCCI is expected to translate ongoing diplomatic efforts into tangible business outcomes, supporting Kenya’s industrialisation agenda while creating new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.