India Kenya Relation

Source: Hindistan Times
GS II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. India Kenya Relation
3. About Kenya

Why in the News?

Recent catastrophic floods affecting Kenya, the Government of India has dispatched humanitarian assistance.

News in Brief

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the allocation of its second tranche of humanitarian aid.
• This relief consists of necessities for flood victims, who have been affected by flooding.
• The event resulted in 267 fatalities, 188 injuries, and more than 280,000 displaced persons.

India Kenya Relation

Bilateral Trade

• India-Kenya Trade Agreement was signed in 1981.
• Both countries accorded Most Favoured Nation status to each other.
• In 2018-19, bilateral trade was US$ 2.208 billion.
• Export
  • Indian exports to Kenya include petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, steel products, machinery, yarn, vehicles and power transmission equipment.
  • Main Kenyan exports to India include soda ash, vegetables, tea, leather and metal scrap.
• According to Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), India is the second largest investor in Kenya.

Tourism Relation

• Over 60,000 Indian tourists visited Kenya in 2017.
• According to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), 125,032 Indian tourists visited Kenya in 2018.
• Many Kenyans visit India for medical treatment.
• India is the third largest source (other than neighbours) of inbound tourists to Kenya.

Diaspora

• Indians have been trading with the Swahili coast since early historical times as evidenced by ancient works.
• With the advent of Portuguese and finally British, Indian involvement became deeper.
• Indian origin presently numbered around 80,000 including an estimated 20,000 Indian citizens.
• Over 400 Kenyan nationals avail training and scholarships programme every year in various fields

Investment and Aid

• India offers development assistance to Kenya in the form of loans and credit.
• An LOC agreement of US$ 100 million for Agricultural Mechanization Project was signed in January 2017.
• Loan agreement to extend US$ 15 million (as first tranche out of US$ 30 million) to IDB Capital Limited for development of SMEs in July 2016.

About Kenya

Kenya, located in East Africa. Capital: Nairobi

It is a country of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife.

With a population of over 50 million people, it’s one of the most populous countries in Africa.

Key aspects of Kenya

• Geography and Natural Beauty:
  • Kenya is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including iconic destinations like the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak.
  • The country boasts a diverse landscape, from lush forests and savannahs to arid deserts and stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean.
• Economy:
  • Kenya has one of the largest and most diversified economies in East Africa, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services sectors.
  • Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy, employing a large portion of the population and contributing substantially to GDP.
  • The country has made strides in technology and innovation, with Nairobi, its capital city, emerging as a hub for tech startups in Africa.
• Culture and Diversity:
  • Kenya is home to over 40 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and cultural practices. The Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, and Kalenjin are among the largest ethnic groups.
  • The Maasai people, known for their distinctive attire and traditional way of life, are one of Kenya’s most famous ethnic groups, attracting tourists with their vibrant culture and rituals.
• Wildlife and Conservation:
  • Kenya is synonymous with wildlife conservation, with numerous national parks and reserves dedicated to protecting its diverse flora and fauna.
  • The Maasai Mara National Reserve is world-renowned for its annual wildebeest migration, where millions of animals cross from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara in Kenya.
  • Efforts to combat poaching and promote sustainable tourism have been key priorities for the Kenyan government and conservation organizations.
• Challenges and Opportunities:
  • Like many countries in Africa, Kenya faces various challenges, including poverty, unemployment, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure.
  • However, the country also presents significant opportunities, particularly in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and technology, which have the potential to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods.
  • Investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure are crucial for addressing these challenges and unlocking Kenya’s full potential.

Daily Current Affairs: Click Here

Rate this Article and Leave a Feedback

Today’s Current Affair content is meticulously crafted to align the topic with the syllabus of Civil Service and various other examinations. Join our community of aspirants and embark on a journey of knowledge, growth, and success with IAS Current Affairs. Let’s stay ahead together in the ever-evolving landscape of competitive examinations and the latest current affairs!