Eldoret, known as the home of champions was also the home of the first memorandum of understanding for India Kenya Business Council. This MoU was signed between IKBC and the Uasin Gishu County Government on Wednesday 6th November at the Eka Hotel, Eldoret at the IKBC Breakfast Meeting. This MoU is expected to increase collaborations, projects and enterprises between the two countries,  India and Kenya. 

It was signed by Mr. Abhishek Rana - Chairman, IKBC and Ms. Victorine Kapkiai

Chief Officer: Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, Co-operatives and Enterprise Development

County Govt of Uasin Gishu, Eldoret.

It was witnessed by High Commissioner of India to Kenya H.E. Namgya Khampa and H.E. Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim Governor of Uasin Gishu County.

Her Excellency, noted that this was a historical moment as trade between Africa and India is set to grow and Uasin Gishu County is a great strategic partner. Hon. Dr. Jonathan Bii acknowledged that development and growth happens better through partnerships and welcomed Indian investors to his county for business and especially sports collaborations, since it is also the home of Kenya’s world famous athletes.

The event also included remarks from the IKBC Advisory Members, Mr. TRM Ramamurthy, Mr. Sailada Gowri Shankar Rao and Mr. Vinay Rathi.

On behalf of Uasin Gishu County, their economic advisor, Mr. Philip Meli shared interesting economic facts about the county.

Chairman, Mr. Abhishek Rana noted, “this MoU will be very important for the future of Kenya because it will provide the expertise and strength of India in different projects including health, agriculture and more.” The event included the announcement of the appointment of Mr. Deepen Bhatt as the Advisory Council Member for IKBC in Uasin Gishu County.

IKBC Board and the High Commission team, including Mr. Rishabh Pewar and Sundeep Kulsari visited the Uasin Gishu County Governor office on Tuesday 5th November for a familiarization discussion. The delegation at the Governor’s office included IKBC Advisory Members, Mr. TRM Ramamurthy, Mr. P.V.S. Rao and Mr. Gowri Shankar Rao. They had significant interactions with the community and business members of Eldoret.

In the evening, the High Commission of India celebrated the 9th Ayurveda Day which was also attended by the Hindu Council of Kenya, India Asia Forum and IKBC. Ayurveda Day was established by the Government of India in 2017 and here in Kenya it was celebrated with the notable opening of Kutoi Hospital in Eldoret, the first Ayurveda Hospital in East Africa. 

The beginning of October 2024, marked the start of the festivities of Navratri and the newly elected India Kenya Business Council (IKBC) Board. Mr. Gowri Shankar Rao, handed the baton of chairmanship to Mr. Abhishek Rana on Saturday 5th October 2024. Mr. Rao has been instrumental in the creation of IKBC and wished the new Board immense success in the coming years. 

Joining as the Honorary Secretary is Mr. Sanjeev Sehgal, Treasurer is Mr. Praveen Bajaj, Technical Support by Mr. Veera Kumar N., Media by Mrs. Shubrika Johary and Coordinator Ms. Harleen Jabbal. Also present at the meeting was Dr. Bimal Kantaria, Chairman of United Asian Network and Managing Director of Elgon Kenya. He is a member of the IKBC Advisory Council, which also includes Mr. Ashif Kassam Executive Chairman of RSM Eastern Africa, Mr. P.V.S. Rao Director Alpharama Ltd and Mr. T.R.M. Ramamurthy Group strategic consultant at IPS Kenya Limited (Group company of Aga Khan Development Network).

The Indian Kenya Business Council has been established since November 2023 and is a bridge between Indian and Kenyan businesses enabling growth and expansion in two thriving economies. H.E. Ms. Namgya C. Khampa High Commissioner and PR to UNEP & UN-Habitat is the patron of the council.

Dr. Kantaria congratulated the team and expressed that they owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Rao as he worked tirelessly with Mr. Rana and the High Commission of India to bring IKBC to realization. Mr. Rishabh Kumar Rewar, Second Secretary (Commerce and Press), Special Assistant to the High Commissioner, High Commission of India recognized the phenomenal efforts on the foundation of IKBC and reaffirmed the support from the Commission as Patron to the Council. Also present at the meeting were Mr. Nikhilesh Srivastava Pharmacor Limited, Mr. Vinay Rathi MD Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Ltd, Mr. Naveen Joon India Exim Bank and Mr. Dipak Kantalia.