What to expect from India’s PM Narendra Modi visit to Kenya

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is expected to arrive in Kenya on July 10, 2016. AFP PHOTO | PRAKASH SINGH

What you need to know:

  • The two Heads of State will explore how to strengthen existing links between their countries.
  • Update on how India will supply essential affordable drugs to Kenya through the India-Africa Fund.

India will be banking on history and geographical location to boost its trade relations with Kenya.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected in the country on July 10 for a two-day visit.

His visit to Kenya, the first by an Indian Premier since 1981, will seek to boost trade relations, health deals and cultural connections.

A statement from State House indicated that President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Indian PM will seek to improve on this with new bilateral agreements.

“The two Heads of State will explore how to strengthen existing links between their countries, particularly with respect to trade,” State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu said.

Here is a list of what to expect from the Indian Premier’s visit:

  • Bilateral agreement to support agriculture and energy sector

  • MoU on health cooperation to cover a project for India to help set up a cancer hospital in Kenya

  • Definite programme for India to supply the hospital with tele-cobalt machine for cancer treatment, as pledged last year

  • Agreement to avoid double taxation

  • Update on progress of joint health research programmes as promised last year

  • Update on how India will supply essential affordable drugs to Kenya through the India-Africa Fund

  • Time for India to explain its promise to protect Africans on its soil, following a spate of racist attacks

  • Cultural agreements; India pledged to improve cricket/hockey while it wants to learn about athletics

  • Modi to meet and address Indian diaspora as well as Kenyans of Indian descent at Kasarani.