Kenya: A Strategic Gateway to East and Central Africa

India–Kenya Forum Strengthens Trade, Investment, and Tourism Ties

At the India–Kenya Trade and Tourism Forum in Mumbai, officials from both nations emphasized deeper collaboration in key growth sectors, positioning Kenya as a leading hub for investment in East and Central Africa.

To strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhance trade exchanges, and create new opportunities in investment and tourism between India and Kenya, the World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai and the All-India Association of Industries (AIAI) jointly organized the India–Kenya Trade, Investment and Tourism Open Day Forum and B2B meetings.

Leading the Kenyan delegation, H.E. Shri Ramavtar Goenka, Honorary Consul of Kenya, underscored the importance of further deepening India–Kenya relations and expanding trade channels for mutual economic growth. He highlighted Kenya’s focus on attracting Indian investors across key sectors including housing, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure, which are central to the nation’s long-term development blueprint.

Ms. Winnie Mwanjala, Minister at the Kenya High Commission, reaffirmed the enduring relationship between the two nations, stating that “Kenya has been a long-standing partner of India even before independence and remains a gateway to East and Central Africa.” She noted that President William Ruto’s economic transformation agenda emphasizes strengthening local manufacturing, generating employment, and advancing economic diplomacy to boost exports and foreign investment. Mwanjala further emphasized Kenya’s readiness to support Indian enterprises in setting up operations, backed by Africa’s growing framework of open borders and regional economic integration.

Mr. Jared Bironga Mayieka, Trade Counsellor at the Kenyan High Commission, described Kenya as the “economic powerhouse of East and Central Africa,” ranking as the 4th largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa and 56th globally in the Ease of Doing Business Index. He invited Indian companies to leverage Kenya’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Promotion Zones (EPZs), which serve as comprehensive ecosystems for global investors with modern infrastructure, advanced logistics, and streamlined investment facilitation.

During an interactive session on tourism, Mr. Chris Otomu Nyantuguta, Counsellor (Immigration) at the Kenyan High Commission, elaborated on Kenya’s digital immigration system, explaining that business and travel visas are now fully paperless, issued electronically within 72 hours, making the country more accessible for global investors and tourists alike.

The event also included the felicitation of Ms. Winnie Mwanjala and H.E. Shri Ramavtar Goenka by WTC Mumbai.

In the picture, from left to right: Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade and Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai, felicitating Ms. Winnie Mwanjala, Minister at the Kenya High Commission, along with H.E. Shri Ramavtar Goenka, Honorary Consul of Kenya

Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade and Investment Promotion at WTC Mumbai, emphasized the robust diplomatic ties between India and Kenya and highlighted significant untapped potential in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and infrastructure. She expressed confidence that through greater collaboration and diversification, bilateral trade could soon touch USD 5 billion.

The open forum concluded with vibrant B2B interactions and sector-specific discussions, attended by over 200 business representatives exploring trade, investment, and tourism synergies. The event reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a strategic gateway to East and Central Africa, reinforcing the growing economic partnership between India and Kenya.