New Delhi, April 29: India has emerged as a significant trade partner for Kenya. Bilateral trade between the two nations increased to $4.31 billion in the fiscal year 2025-26, according to government reports released on Wednesday.
The total trade between India and Kenya rose from $3.45 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25 to $4.31 billion in 2025-26, marking an impressive growth of approximately 24.91%.
The 10th meeting of the India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held in Nairobi reviewed the trade relations between the two countries. The meeting was co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal and Regina Akota Ombam, the head of Kenya’s Trade Department.
A statement from the Ministry of Commerce highlighted that discussions focused on enhancing trade, resolving market access issues, and increasing cooperation in sectors such as engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and electronics.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing initiatives aimed at facilitating trade, including an agreement between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards to enhance cooperation in standards and quality checks.
Additionally, a pact was signed between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Kenya Revenue Authority to streamline customs processes and promote trade.
Another agreement was established between the Confederation of Indian Industry and the India-Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry to boost trade and investment.
Both nations discussed the potential for conducting trade in local currencies, considering the adoption of a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system.
Notably, opportunities for increasing exports in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, particularly in automobiles, machinery, and construction equipment, were emphasized.
In the pharmaceutical sector, India reiterated its commitment to supplying affordable generic medicines and medical devices, proposing measures to enhance trade.
Furthermore, India expressed its willingness to collaborate with Kenya on solar and wind energy projects in the renewable energy sector.
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