Africa-Press – Kenya. India new High Commissioner to Kenya Adarsh Swaikahas has outlined an ambitious agenda centred on deepening economic cooperation during his tour of duty.
In his first press briefing since presenting his credentials on December 1, High Commissioner Swaika said his economic diplomacy will be among his top priorities alongside expanding high-technology partnerships, and strengthening people-to-people links.
Swaika framed India–Kenya relations as a partnership rooted in shared history but increasingly defined by strategic alignment, development cooperation and practical outcomes on the ground.
In this regard, the envoy noted that his focus would be on translating strong political trust into tangible benefits for the people of the two states.
“India-Kenya relationship is one that is progressing rapidly. We expect high-level engagements in near future that will further give a strategic direction further to these multifaceted relations.
“Going forward, the focus of the High Commission would be on strengthening our economic cooperation, new and high-technology areas, cultural bonds and more youth exchanges,” the envoy said at the High Commission in Nairobi.
At the heart of his agenda is economic diplomacy, with India already Kenya’s third-largest trading partner, recording annual trade of about $3.5 billion.
Swaika noted that India’s exports to Kenya are largely consumption-based and do not displace local manufacturing, while Kenyan exports to India have surged by nearly 80 per cent over the past year.
He noted that strengthening two-way trade, expanding market access and encouraging Kenyan exports would remain a priority for the High Commission.
Investment promotion is another central pillar in his tour of duty.
He noted that early 200 Indian companies operate in Kenya across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, ICT, infrastructure, finance and consumer goods, employing tens of thousands of Kenyans. This, he noted, highlighted the growing interest of Indian investors in Kenya, the gateway to East African region.
More than 1,600 Indian companies have visited Kenya in the past two years alone, including startups and small and medium enterprises seeking opportunities in the country.
The relocation of the Export–Import Bank of India’s East Africa representative office from Addis Ababa to Nairobi, he said, demonstrates New Delhi’s confidence in Kenya as a regional commercial hub.
Beyond traditional commerce, the High Commissioner identified high-technology cooperation as a key focus area.
For instance, he said Kenya has expressed interest in replicating India’s digital public infrastructure solutions, following a recent high-level Kenyan delegation visit to India.
He highlighted digital services, fintech, healthcare technology, renewable energy and manufacturing were highlighted as sectors where India’s development experience aligns closely with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and can support job creation and industrialisation.
Dr. Swaika also signalled a sustained emphasis on defence and security cooperation, describing it as a mature and multi-dimensional partnership.
In the recent past, Kenya and India have intensified theoir defence ties, particularly in maritime security.
His tenure will prioritise training, peacekeeping collaboration, maritime engagement and capacity-building initiatives, including cooperation between Kenyan and Indian shipyards. He cited recent Indian support to Kenya’s defence medical infrastructure and rapid humanitarian assistance during floods as examples of partnership in action.
A major component of his agenda centres on human capital and people-to-people ties.
Education, scholarships and capacity building remain among the most noticeable and historical aspects of the India-Kenya ties, with around 400 fully funded training and academic opportunities offered annually to Kenyans.
Over the past decade, thousands of Kenyan professionals have been trained in India, creating a network that anchors bilateral ties beyond formal agreements, the envoy said.
Among other areas of focus the diplomat mentioned include healthcare and mobility.
India has become a leading medical destination for Kenyans, with about 10,000 travelling there for treatment this year alone. Simplifying travel through e-visas and expanding cultural exchanges, youth programmes and tourism cooperation are part of the High Commission’s forward agenda.
