Kenya explores ways of deepening ties with India amid shifting geopolitics
By Kiprono Keileb, March 6, 2026Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has highlighted growing economic and diplomatic collaboration between Kenya and India, describing the partnership as a cornerstone for advancing trade, investment, and security across key sectors.
In a statement shared on X on Friday, March 6, 2026, Mudavadi detailed his meetings with India’s Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, during the Raisina Dialogue, a platform bringing together global leaders to address critical geopolitical and economic challenges.
He said the discussions also focused on strengthening Kenya’s role within the Global South and international multilateral frameworks.
“Kenya and India share a longstanding partnership rooted in strong historical ties, democratic values and expanding cooperation across key sectors,” Mudavadi said.
He noted that the talks provided an opportunity to thank India for hosting the dialogue and for continuing to support initiatives benefiting Kenya and the wider region.
“Held talks with Jaishankar, India’s Minister for External Affairs, and expressed appreciation to the Government and people of India for hosting the Raisina Dialogue, an important global platform bringing together leaders from government, business and academia to address pressing geopolitical and economic issues, particularly those affecting the Global South,” Mudavadi’s statement reads.
Areas of interest
Mudavadi explained that the discussions covered concrete measures to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, agriculture, manufacturing, health, ICT, education, tourism, and security, while reviewing progress since President William Ruto’s 2023 State Visit to India.
“Our discussions focused on strengthening Kenya–India cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, manufacturing, health and pharmaceuticals, ICT, education and tourism. We also reviewed progress following the 2023 State Visit of H.E. President William Ruto to India and explored new opportunities to deepen economic collaboration, agricultural mechanisation, private sector investment and security cooperation,” he added.
He further reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to supporting the Global South and multilateral institutions while seeking India’s continued assistance in boosting the United Nations Office at Nairobi as a regional hub.
“We reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing the priorities of the Global South, promoting effective multilateralism and supporting reforms of global institutions. I also sought India’s continued support in strengthening the United Nations Office at Nairobi as a key UN hub serving the region and the wider international community,” Mudavadi stated.