The Republic of Kenya is known for its economy, geographic position, and status as a player that is preeminent in East Africa. It is a presidential republic in East Africa. Nairobi is the capital and the largest city serves as a primary economic and diplomatic centre. There is growth in the tourism industry, developments in information, communication, and technology (ICT), and large-scale infrastructure projects, such as shifting from large-scale agriculture-based production to a more services-based economic structure.
Kenya and India share longstanding ties rooted in the Indian Ocean trade and a common anti-colonial struggle, with Indian presence in East Africa documented as early as 60 AD. Formal diplomatic relations between the nations commenced in 1963 following Kenya’s independence and have since evolved into a robust, multi-faceted partnership characterised by regular high-level visits and people-to-people linkages. Both countries have permanent diplomatic missions, with the High Commissions in New Delhi and Nairobi, which serve as official mechanisms for communication, negotiation, and the protection of national interests. Today, they are participants of several international platforms, including the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth, the G-77, and the Indian Ocean Rim Organisation, which illustrates their devotion to independence, international equity, and economic advancement.
High-level Visits
Reciprocal high-level visits remain an integral pillar of Kenya-India relations, reinforcing political trust and sustaining momentum across priority sectors. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Nairobi in 2016 gave new impetus, resulting in agreements on defence, trade and development aid. Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to India in December 2023 further bolstered ties through the signing of five MoUs on areas including education, digital economy, and energy, alongside a new $250 million Indian credit line for agricultural modernisation.
High-level visits between Kenya and India have taken place, maintaining bilateral and diplomatic relations between the two nations. Former President of Kenya conducted a state visit to India in January 2017 on an invitation extended by PM Modi. Former Principal Secretary for State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Mr Geoffrey E. Kaituko visited India in November 2024 to attend the Conference named Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue held in New Delhi in November 2024. Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo Gitau, visited India in May 2025 to attend the Waves 2025 meeting.
From the Indian side, notable visits include the visit of Shri Giridhar Aramane, former Defence Secretary, in September 2024, focusing on the radiology complex; a delegation led by Mr Dammu Ravi in April 2024, accompanied by 25 Indian business companies to focus on the agricultural sector. To discuss cooperation in the political, military and economic areas, the Minister of State for Defence visited Kenya in June 2025.
Commercial Relations
India is one of Kenya’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching US$3.35 billion in 2023–24. A 1981 trade agreement granted Most-Favoured-Nation status to each other, and recent efforts focused on diversifying trade (e.g., opening India’s market to Kenyan avocados) and encouraging Indian investments in Kenya. The Indian goods exported to Kenya, comprises mainly of petroleum goods, pharmaceuticals, steel, and other machinery, vehicles, plastic, and electric goods. The contemporary partnership has shifted from historical relations to new-time modern relationships based on result-oriented, economically driven and security cooperative relationships over the Indian Ocean. More than 200 companies operate in Kenya India has diversified its investments in many vital areas that include the manufacture of telecommunication, banking, and pharmaceuticals. India supports Kenya’s health sector by providing affordable pharmaceuticals and medical expertise. Notably, India donated a state-of-the-art Bhabhatron-II cancer therapy machine to Kenya’s main hospital, which is installed at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. The two countries are also partnering to enhance vaccine production and healthcare capacity in Kenya.
Defence and Security Cooperation
Being a littoral state, Kenya has emerged as a key strategic pillar, particularly in the perilous time of maritime security threats and counter-terrorism objectives. In 2016, cooperation deepened through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in defence, and with that, regular military exchanges and defence industry linkages started. Both sides conduct joint exercises, training programmes, and naval visits while collaborating on counter-terrorism maritime security. Indian naval ships frequently visit Kenyan ports to enhance surveillance. In 2023, President Ruto released a joint maritime vision statement (BAHARI), emphasising shared interests in the blue economy and security aspects.
Cultural Relations
People-to-people ties serve as the most evolving bridge between the nations, ensuring the relationship remains vibrant beyond the political and economic spheres. The people of Indian origin in Kenya have been instrumental in the country’s performance in commerce and trade. To culturally integrate them, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) bridges the gap by offering scholarships to Kenyan students and sponsoring cultural programmes like the Festival of India in Kenya.
Collaboration in Multiple Sectors
In education, thousands of Kenyans have trained in India via scholarships and technical courses. An MoU in 2023 between Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Open University of Kenya is expanding access to higher education through distance learning. India provides scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program (ITEC) to facilitate capacity building in Kenya. Bilateral cooperation extends to technology and innovation. India has agreed to share expertise in digital government services to improve service delivery in Kenya. The countries are also collaborating in space and ICT. India is training Kenyan space scientists and developing a geospatial information portal for Kenya, while joint initiatives in ICT and digital solutions are strengthening Kenya’s tech capabilities.
To safeguard rich biodiversity through exchanges, capacity building, and joint initiatives, both countries signed MoUs on cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation and management on May 23, 2025, at the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Conservation and Management in Nairobi. The former High Commissioner of India to Kenya, and Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife of Kenya, signed the MoU.
Conclusion
Kenya and India work closely in international fora and maintain frequent high-level dialogues. Kenyan President Ruto’s state visit to India further bolstered ties through the signing of five MoUs on areas including education, the digital economy, and energy. These milestones underscore a growing Kenya–India partnership that is broad-based and geared towards mutual development and strategic interests of both nations.
