ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi.
Modi addressed tens of thousands of people of Indian origin in Kenya’s largest stadium Sunday evening, after arriving from Tanzania.
He was given a 19-gun salute Monday and guard of honor by the Kenyan military at State House, the president’s official residence, before holding talks with Kenyatta.
India is Kenya’s largest trading partner and 2nd largest investor but more can be done, Modi said after the talks.
Modi’s trip is meant to raise India’s profile in energy, trade and investment in Africa, where China’s presence has been strong. He has already visited Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday morning received Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at State House, Nairobi.
The Indian PM received an elaborate state reception complete with a 19-gun salute.
He then inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Air Force.
On Monday morning, the Indian leader began the second and final day of his visit by laying a wreath at the mausoleum of Kenya’s founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
On his arrival at State House, he was received by his host President Kenyatta. Other dignitaries who received him were Deputy President William Ruto, several Cabinet secretaries and Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe.
President Kenyatta and the Indian PM later lead their delegations in bilateral talks at State House.
After the bilateral talks, the two leaders held a joint press briefing. In the afternoon, they address a Kenya-India business forum.
The Indian leader’s visit is expected to deepen trade between the two countries and help reduce the huge trade imbalance, which is in favour of India.
India exports goods worth KES 116 billion against Kenya’s KES 4 billion.
Mr Modi, who is on a State Visit, arrived in the country Sunday afternoon and headed directly to Safaricom Kasarani Sports Complex, where together with President Kenyatta, addressed the Indian community in Kenya.
