April 15th, 2026
Speaker’s Press Unit-Parliament Buildings 

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on India to strengthen its long-standing ties with Kenya by increasing investment in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors.

Speaking at a meeting at his office in the Parliament Buildings with India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Adarsh Swaika, the Speaker said Kenya should benefit more from India’s global leadership in the two industries.

He noted that relations between the two countries date back many years, beginning with trade and the movement of labor, goods, and services, and have since expanded into areas such as medical research.

“India is a global leader in pharmaceuticals and one of the world’s largest economies. We must find better ways of working together,” said Mr. Wetang’ula.

The Speaker also thanked the Indian government for hosting the Kenyan delegation at the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth held in New Delhi in January.

During the conference, Mr. Wetang’ula held talks with India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to discuss forming a parliamentary friendship group to strengthen cooperation between the two legislatures.

Mr. Swaika said India has already formed an 11-member team and is ready to engage Kenya’s National Assembly to identify priority areas of collaboration.

Ugenya MP Hon. David Ochieng’, who chairs the Kenyan side of the parliamentary friendship group, said he is ready to lead the team.

India has also pledged to support plans to establish a parliamentary museum that will showcase Kenya’s legislative and constitutional history.

“We will also renovate the ceremonial seat that India donated to Kenya after independence,” the envoy said.

Ahead of the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi, President William Ruto is expected to attend. 

The summit is seen as an opportunity for African countries to build new partnerships and reduce dependence on traditional markets.

Mr. Wetang’ula urged the High Commissioner to encourage Indian technology and pharmaceutical companies to invest in Kenya before the summit.

“Let the summit be a platform to deepen the strong relations we already have,” he said.

Parliament will also host celebrations to mark the International Day of Yoga, following a request by the High Commissioner, as part of efforts to promote mental wellness among MPs and staff.