The High Commission of the Republic of Kenya hosted a grand celebration to mark the 62nd Anniversary of Kenya’s Independence—Jamhuri Day—on 11 December 2025 at The Grand, New Delhi. The evening brought together an impressive gathering of dignitaries, including Honourable Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, ambassadors, high commissioners, senior officials from the Government of India, members of the diplomatic corps, and Kenya’s honorary consuls. The celebration also featured a captivating performance by the Mwazindika Dance Group, recently recognised on the UNESCO list, along with Juari.
H.E. Ambassador Peter Munyiri, High Commissioner of Kenya to India, set an uplifting tone for the evening. Extending greetings on behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, he reflected on the significance of the milestone. “We gather today to commemorate more than sixty years of our independence and self-rule. As we reflect on this journey, we also celebrate the friendship between Kenya and India—a relationship that has grown deeper, stronger, and more vibrant with each passing decade,” he remarked.
Honouring Shared History and Friendship
In his address, Ambassador Munyiri expressed Kenya’s heartfelt appreciation to India for its support during a moment of national grief. “Allow me to convey our profound gratitude to the Government of India for the support extended following the passing of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister, in Kerala earlier this year,” he said. “India’s swift assistance was a gesture of deep compassion and solidarity.” He also highlighted the personal bond shared between the late Kenyan leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The High Commissioner underscored the deep historical connections between the two countries—ties that predate colonialism. He recalled that long before Vasco da Gama charted his famous route, Indian traders were already engaged with the East African coast, laying the earliest roots of a relationship that has endured and expanded over centuries. “These connections laid the foundation for the enduring partnership we celebrate today,” he noted.
Political Ties and High-Level Exchanges
Ambassador Munyiri traced the evolution of diplomatic relations, recalling that India was among the first nations to recognise Kenya’s independence. India’s consular presence in Mombasa in 1947 and Kenya’s establishment of its High Commission in New Delhi in 1964 signalled the beginning of a robust diplomatic engagement.
He highlighted key high-level visits, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2016 visit to Kenya and President William Ruto’s state visit to India in December 2023, during which several MoUs were signed.
One of the cornerstone outcomes was the Bahari Document, which now guides maritime cooperation between the two countries. “Our maritime engagement continues to strengthen,” the Ambassador said, pointing to progress in information-sharing and the upcoming establishment of a Maritime Information Centre in Mombasa.
Defence Cooperation: A Pillar of Strength
Defence ties form one of the most dynamic elements of the bilateral partnership. More than 4,000 Kenyan Defence Forces personnel have trained in India, including over 200 in 2023 alone. Ambassador Munyiri noted, “The Defence Cooperation Agreement of 2016 continues to guide and expand our collaboration.”
He also highlighted the recent agreement to strengthen the International Peace Support Training Centre in Nairobi, as well as the strategic MoU between Kenya Shipyards Limited and Goa Shipyard Limited, which supports Kenya’s vision of industrialisation and enhanced maritime capability.
Growing Economic Engagement
The Ambassador pointed to the strong economic partnership marked by bilateral trade exceeding USD 2 billion. Kenya imports pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and industrial products from India, while exporting tea, coffee, soda ash, iron ore, and petroleum products.
He noted that Kenya’s mining sector is expanding rapidly and highlighted the growing interest of Indian investors in Kenya’s manufacturing landscape. “We foresee greater Indian investment, aligned with Kenya’s aspiration of becoming a competitive, industrialised economy,” he said.
Shared Vision for Peace and Stability
Ambassador Munyiri emphasised that peace and security remain central to Kenya’s contributions globally. Kenya continues to champion regional stability and participates actively in United Nations peacekeeping missions, often alongside Indian armed forces. “Together, we are shaping a safer and more peaceful world,” he observed.
A Future Anchored in Shared Values and Cooperation
Bringing his address to a close, the High Commissioner reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening its partnership with India across diverse sectors—economic, cultural, security, and technological. “Kenya and India shall continue to enjoy dynamic and mutually beneficial relations built on shared values and a common commitment to regional and global stability,” he said. “Our partnership remains a vital part of the India–Africa discourse.”
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