How Raila strengthened relations between Kenya and India

Ken Gichinga Chief Economist Mentoria Economist. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

When Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, took to X to express condolences over the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, it was clear to all that he had lost a close friend. He wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief.”

As for many Kenyans, healing was at the heart of Raila’s relationship with India. His interest in Ayurveda - an ancient holistic medicine system that emphasises the connection between the mind and body - was well documented. Ayurveda is based on universal principles and aims to promote health through a unique understanding of each individual’s constitution, known as Prakiti.

Every year, nearly 20,000 Kenyans travel to India for treatment mainly due to a combination of high quality equipment, medical expertise and affordable costs. Procedures like cardiac surgery or joint replacements in India cost 70 – 80 per cent less than in Europe or the US, and about 50 per cent less than in regional private hospitals.

In many ways, Kenya can borrow a leaf from India and invest in medical tourism attracting patients from various parts of Africa. A key part of this strategy would be reducing taxes on medical equipment to ensure only the latest machines are operating in our hospitals.

There is, however, much that needs to be done to balance the historic Indo-Kenya trade relationship. In the financial year 2024/2025, Kenya imported USD 3.13 billion worth of goods from India, while Kenya only exported goods worth USD 319 million; only 10 per cent of goods imported.

The only way this can be reversed is by unlocking factors of production and unleashing a new wave of productivity that will deliver high quality goods and services from Kenya’s doorstep to India and beyond. This can be achieved by deepening digitisation initiatives as India did in Bangalore – the Silicon Valley of the subcontinent - known for its thriving startup ecosystem, massive software engineering talent pool and presence of tech giants such as Google or Amazon. Addressing structural factors such as high cost of energy will incentivise industries to set up in Kenya and promote local manufacturing.

Perhaps the largest contribution that Raila made to Kenya’s political landscape was in the expansion of the democratic space which has constantly been celebrated. India too takes pride in nurturing the world’s largest democracy with an estimated voter base of 968 million people.

Interestingly, the Electoral Commission of India has only three commissioners, a sharp contrast to Kenya’s IEBC which has seven commissioners who oversee a comparatively small number of voters. 

The major contributions that India has made on the global stage can be attributed to strong virtues such as hard work and resilience, nurtured within a strong family system. Kenya should draw inspiration from this model.

These organic roots and networks fuel innovation, culture, entrepreneurship, and public service. In many ways, these are the attributes that Raila built his career upon and that can advance his legacy many years into the future.

Mr Gichinga is Chief Economist at Mentoria Economics