The County Government of Uasin Gishu is on the verge of forging a partnership with the Indian government in the agro-business value chain following a bilateral engagement with an Indian delegation at the India High Commission, Nairobi, on Wednesday evening.

This event marked the fruition of a courtesy visit to Governor Jonathan Bii by the Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, Her Excellency Namgya Khampa, several months ago, aimed at exploring collaboration in the agriculture sector, particularly in agro-value addition, processing, and other county sectors.

Governor Dr. Bii, leading the county delegation at the embassy, expressed gratitude to the Indian government, through their embassy, for choosing to partner with Uasin Gishu in efforts to enhance agricultural production, improve farmer earnings, and spur the growth of the county’s economy.

“I warmly welcome you to my County. We have numerous investment opportunities across various sectors including agriculture, education, sports, tourism, and healthcare,” said the county boss.

The County is also eager to collaborate with the Indian government in leveraging Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and skill development programs, as well as other educational capacity-building initiatives for county students while exploring additional opportunities and fostering knowledge exchange.

High Commissioner Namgya Khampa, flanked by Mr. Dammu Ravi, Secretary of Economic Relations at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, reaffirmed India’s commitment to collaborating with the County Government to capitalize on available investment opportunities.

Representatives from 35 companies spanning various sectors of agriculture in India and three major Indian trade associations – The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) – attended the bilateral talks on partnership.

Key county officials present included CECMs Martha Cheruto (Trade), Edward Sawe (Agriculture), Philip Melly (Economic Advisor), Nicholas Chepkwony(Chief of Staff) and Directors Irene Kapting’ei (Industrialization) and Reuben Seroney (Agriculture).