- The conference examined these contributions from the perspective of different stakeholders.
- Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei praised the role played by Kenyans of Indian origin in the progress and prosperity of Kenya.
Image: File
Kenyans of Indian origin have been commended for their efforts in economic development in the country.
A Conference titled, ‘Kenyan-Indians’ contribution to the Development of Kenya’ was co-organized by the High Commission of India with the United Asian Network (UAN), Kenya on June 13, 2023, in Nairobi.
The conference was part of a week-long celebration of ‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’ commemorating 75 years of India’s independence.
It aimed to incubate conversations and dialogue to support a nuanced and in-depth understanding of the role of the Kenyans of Indian origin from the perspective of history.
It also included its freedom struggle, and economic development of Kenya, its place in the East African region as well as its role in linking India and Kenya.
The conference examined these contributions from the perspective of different stakeholders.
The conference saw the participation of over 200 high-level dignitaries from the diaspora, academia, think tanks, business, and media as well MPs and officials from the host government.
Ministry of External Affairs, Minister of State, Government of India V. Muraleedharan lauded the role of the Indian diaspora in Kenya in connecting the two nations.
Referring to over 30 million Indian diasporas globally, he described them as the living bridge connecting India with their host country.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei praised the role played by Kenyans of Indian origin in the progress and prosperity of Kenya.
He appreciated the intrinsic quality of Kenyans of Indian origin to flourish and contribute to the economic development and growth of the country.
"Indian-origin people in Kenya have created assets for the welfare and benefit of the society, including the health facilities in Kenya, and their impact has been felt by everyone," he said.
The plenary session was followed by panel discussions diving into the contribution of Kenyans of Indian origin in the history and development of Kenya, including in the economy.
Publications by various authors on the Kenyans of Indian origin Kenyan community and the connection between India and Kenya through history were also displayed at the Conference venue.
The conference generated interest from the participants and sparked conversation on the need for doing more to document the contributions of the Kenyan Indians in the development of Kenya.