New Delhi :The 10th session of the India–Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC), held in Nairobi on April 27–28, 2026, has reinforced the growing economic partnership between India and Kenya. With bilateral trade witnessing a sharp rise to USD 4.31 billion in 2025–26—a nearly 25 per cent increase over the previous year—the meeting underscored the expanding scope and strategic importance of ties between the two countries.
Co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal and Regina Akotah Ombam, the discussions focused on strengthening trade frameworks, resolving market access issues, and enhancing sectoral collaboration. Both sides acknowledged the need to diversify trade baskets while leveraging complementarities in key sectors such as engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and electronics.
A major highlight of the meeting was the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding aimed at improving trade facilitation. Agreements between the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Kenya Bureau of Standards are expected to streamline standardisation processes, while cooperation between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the Kenya Revenue Authority will enable smoother customs procedures through pre-arrival data exchange. Industry-level collaboration also received a boost through an MoU between the Confederation of Indian Industry and the India Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The meeting also signalled a shift towards more innovative financial mechanisms, with both countries exploring local currency trade settlements. The use of Special Rupee Vostro Accounts and discussions on a Local Currency Settlement system could reduce transaction costs and enhance efficiency in bilateral trade.
Sectoral cooperation formed a key pillar of the dialogue. India highlighted opportunities to expand exports of automobiles, machinery, and construction equipment, while also offering expertise in infrastructure development, including railway projects and rolling stock supply. In pharmaceuticals, India reiterated its commitment to supplying affordable generic medicines, while both nations explored ways to overcome regulatory barriers in agricultural trade.
Looking ahead, clean energy and digital transformation emerged as promising areas of collaboration. India expressed its readiness to support Kenya’s renewable energy ambitions, particularly in solar and wind power, in alignment with initiatives like the International Solar Alliance. Discussions on digital public infrastructure, including UPI-like systems and digital payment platforms, reflected a shared vision for enhancing financial inclusion and technological connectivity.
Capacity building and education were also emphasised, with India offering training programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and promoting academic exchanges through the “Study in India” initiative.
The parallel India–Kenya Joint Business Forum, involving the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and industry stakeholders, provided an important platform for business leaders to explore investment opportunities and deepen commercial linkages.
Overall, the JTC meeting highlighted a clear commitment from both nations to build a more diversified, resilient, and future-oriented economic partnership—one that goes beyond traditional trade to embrace innovation, sustainability, and shared growth.
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