William Ruto (Front) speaks after receiving a certificate to confirm his victory in the presidential election at a tallying center in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 15, 2022. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua/IANS)
Ethiopia, landlocked, agreed on January 1st to lease 20 km (12 miles) of Somaliland’s coastline, an autonomous region within Somalia, possibly signaling recognition in exchange….reports Asian Lite News
Kenya has proposed a regional maritime treaty to defuse tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over a deal allowing Ethiopia to set up a naval base and giving it port access in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, a top Kenyan official said on Thursday.
Landlocked Ethiopia agreed on Jan. 1 to lease 20 km (12 miles) of coastline in Somaliland, a part of Somalia which claims independence and has had effective autonomy since 1991, offering possible recognition of Somaliland in exchange.
That prompted a defiant response from Somalia and fueled concern the deal could further destabilize the Horn of Africa region.
The treaty Kenya is proposing in consultation with Djibouti and regional bloc IGAD would govern how landlocked states in the region can access ports on commercial terms, Korir Sing’oei, Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, told Reuters.
“IGAD can be able to formulate a treaty for sharing maritime resources,” he said, referring to the bloc which brings together countries in the region.
On Thursday Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a meeting with his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in the Kenyan capital as part of efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the dispute.
“We continue to engage with all the parties with a view to ensuring that at the end of the day the region is left all stable,” Sing’oei said.
If accepted, Nairobi’s solution would offer Ethiopia “stable and predictable access to maritime resources” so it can carry out its business unhindered, while also respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity, he added.
Somalia and Ethiopia are considering the proposal, he said, and their leaders have been asked to consider meeting to take the process forward.
Sing’oei said time was of the essence since Al-Shabab militants in Somalia were using the dispute to portray the government in Mogadishu as being unable to protect Somalia’s sovereignty.
Kenya’s President said in a statement that he and Haitian PM Ariel Henry witnessed the signing of the reciprocal agreements between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News
Kenya and Haiti signed agreements Friday to try to salvage a plan for the African country to deploy 1,000 police officers to the troubled Caribbean nation to help combat gang violence that has surged to unprecedented levels.Kenya agreed in October to lead a U.N.-authorized international police force to Haiti, but the Kenyan High Court in January ruled the plan unconstitutional, in part because of a lack of reciprocal agreements between the two countries.Kenya’s President William Ruto said in a statement that he and Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry witnessed the signing of the reciprocal agreements between the two countries on Friday.It was not immediately clear how, or if, the agreements could circumvent the court’s ruling, which also said that Kenya’s National Police Service cannot be deployed outside the country.Kenyan opposition politician Ekuru Aukot, who filed the High Court petition against the deployment, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that Henry has no constitutional or legal powers to commit Haiti to any agreements with Kenya.In a public lecture at the United States International University in Kenya on Friday, Henry said elections in his country need to held as soon as possible to bring stability.“We need elections in order to stabilize the country. We need democratic governance in order to have people to come and invest in Haiti,” he said.Henry has repeatedly pledged to hold elections since being sworn in as prime minister and interim president after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. But he and other officials say gang violence has not allowed them to move forward on those promises.Caribbean leaders said late Wednesday that Henry has agreed to hold general elections by mid-2025. Henry shrugged when asked if it was safe for him to return home from Kenya following a surge of gang violence in Haiti’s capital Port au Prince on Thursday.Gunmen shot at Haiti’s main international airport and other targets, including police stations, in a wave of violence that caught many people by surprise. Separately, at least four police officers, including two women, were killed in an attack on a station near the community of Canaan, according to a police union.The violence forced the airport, businesses, government agencies and schools to close as parents and young children fled through the streets in panic. At least one airline, Sunrise Airways, suspended all flights.Jimmy Chérizier, known as “Barbecue,” the leader of the gang federation G9 Family and Allies, announced in a recorded video that his group’s aim was to detain the police chief and government ministers and prevent Henry from returning to Haiti.“With our guns and with the Haitian people, we will free the country,” he said.Gangs have grown more powerful and political instability has increased since the assassination of President Moïse, who had faced protests calling for his resignation over corruption charges and claims that his five-year term had expired.More than 8,400 people were reported killed, injured or kidnapped in Haiti in 2023 — more than double the number reported in 2022. The gangs continue to fight over territory, and are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.
Over 1,100 people killed in Haiti gang violence
UN humanitarians have said they were deeply concerned about escalating unrest in Haiti’s major cities, where more than 1,100 people have been killed or injured in the first month of this year.The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) cited the UN Human Rights Office for the tally of casualties in the capital of Port-au-Prince and other major cities, the highest for the period in two years.“In recent days, outbreaks of deadly violence amid demonstrations have caused major disruptions to humanitarian operations, affecting our plans to reach civilians in need, especially those at displacement sites,” OCHA said on Friday.“There are more than 313,000 people displaced around the country.”The humanitarians said that road blockages and movement restrictions impact healthcare workers and compromise access to essential social services. Difficulties accessing roads and ports also affect the delivery of life-saving relief, Xinhua news agency reported.“One humanitarian organisation in the Department of Sud was also looted, which will have a major impact on its operations in the coming days,” said the office.Additionally, the humanitarians said more than 1,000 schools nationwide, including in Port-au-Prince and other urban areas, were temporarily closed in mid-January because of ongoing anti-gang demonstrations.OCHA said that violence in the country increased the price of food items by almost 25 per cent.
The MoU will come into effect from the date of signature of the parties and shall remain in force for a period of 3 years….reports Asian Lite News
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on December 5 last year with Kenya in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation.
The MoU will come into effect from the date of signature of the parties and shall remain in force for a period of 3 years.
The MoU was signed between India through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Government of the Republic of Kenya through the Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation.
The MoU intends to promote closer cooperation and exchange of experiences and digital technologies-based solutions in the implementation of digital transformational initiatives in both countries.
Both B2G and G2G (Business-to-Government) and G2G (Government-to-Government) bilateral Cooperation in the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) will be enhanced, the government said.
MoU envisages improved collaboration leading to employment opportunities in the field of IT.
MeitY is collaborating with a number of countries and multilateral agencies to foster bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the ICT domain. Over the period, MeitY has entered into MoUs/MoCs/Agreements with its counterpart organisations/agencies from various countries to promote cooperation and exchange of information in the ICT domain.
This is in consonance with the various initiatives taken by the Government of India such as Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India etc. to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
In this changing paradigm, there is an imminent need for exploring business opportunities, sharing best practices and attracting investments in the digital sector with the objective of enhancing mutual cooperation.
Over the last few years, India has demonstrated its leadership in the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and has successfully provided delivery of services to the public even during the COVID pandemic.
As a result, many countries have evinced interest in learning from India’s experiences and entering into MoUs with India, the government said on Thursday.
India Stack Solutions are DPIs developed and implemented by India at a population scale to provide access and delivery of public services.
It aims to enhance connectivity, promote digital inclusion, and enable seamless access to public service. It further said that these are built on open technologies, are interoperable and are designed to harness industry and community participation which fosters innovative and inclusive solutions.
However, each country has unique needs and challenges in building DPI, although the basic functionality is similar, allowing for global cooperation. (ANI)
Agriculture and education took centre stage as an intriguing development emerged after Kenya expressed its intent to offer agricultural farmland to Indian companies…reports Asian Lite News
In a pivotal visit by the President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, to India, both countries have solidified their longstanding relationship through a series of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and strategic collaborations spanning diverse sectors, said Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER) of the Ministry of External Affairs, while giving insightful remarks on the significant outcomes of President Ruto’s visit.
Agriculture and education took centre stage as an intriguing development emerged after Kenya expressed its intent to offer agricultural farmland to Indian companies, aiming to promote farming activities in the region.
“Interestingly, the Kenyan side has expressed interest in offering to India agriculture farmland, farming land for farming purposes, to be able to encourage Indian companies to go there and do farming,” said Dammu Ravi while addressing a media briefing on the Kenyan President’s India visit.
Simultaneously, MoUs were inked between the open universities of both nations, igniting a collaborative effort in the field of education. These agreements set the stage for a multifaceted exchange that encompasses cultural, sports, digital solutions, and digital transformation initiatives.
“Education is another area. The open universities of both sides, IGNOU and Kenyan Open University, have entered into an MoU. Space is another area of cooperation. So these are the five MoUs that have been signed,” said the MEA Secretary.
Kenya’s keen interest in learning from India extends to the fintech space, with a specific focus on UPI and Aadhaar. The health sector emerged as a significant area of cooperation, with discussions ranging from medical expertise exchanges to collaborative efforts in traditional medicine.
“The Kenyan side expressed interest in learning from India in several areas, particularly in fintech, space, the UPI, the Aadhaar, and the health space. They have expressed interest in having greater cooperation, particularly with Indian specialist doctors visiting those countries, and in turn, they would like to have a longer stay for their specialists, nurses, and medical doctors to come to India to learn from us. Traditional medicine also figured very strongly in the bilateral talks,” he added.
Ravi also said that the economic landscape witnessed a substantial boost with announcements such as the enhancement of the line of credit for agriculture modernisation in Kenya. A ground-breaking customised training programme for Kenyan space scientists by ISRO and the development of a geospatial information portal for Kenya further underscored the commitment to technological advancements.
“Besides, there have also been other announcements. For example, you have the line of credit to enhance from the existing 100 million to USD 250,000,000 for the agriculture modernization of Kenya and a customised training programme for 20 space scientists of the Kenya Space Agency, which will be done by ISRO, and a geospatial information portal for Kenya, which India will be developing for them. And then, last but not least, the Kenyan government expressed interest in joining the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance,” the MEA Secretary added.
Dammu Ravi also emphasised the success of India’s G20 presidency, particularly in securing permanent membership in the African Union. Kenyan President Ruto expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s efforts, highlighting the positive outcomes of collaborative efforts such as the Voice of the Global Summit.
“Post the successful India’s G20 presidency wherein India brought in the African Union membership as a permanent membership of the G20, which has been appreciated by President William Ruto and thanked the Prime Minister for his personal efforts in bringing convergence and working with others to bring African Union into the fold of the G20,” the MEA Secretary (ER) added.
The historical and robust relationship between India and Kenya was underscored by Ravi, emphasising the longstanding connections between the two nations. Institutional frameworks, including Foreign Office consultations and Joint Trade Committee meetings, continue to strengthen bilateral ties. The development partnership, marked by lines of credit and educational scholarships, further solidifies the bond between the two nations.
“The relationship between India and Kenya is on sound footing. One of the Foreign Office consultations, the Joint Commission meeting, and the Joint Trade Committee meetings–these institutional arrangements–regularly take place between the two countries. We also have a very robust development partnership with Kenya,” he said.
Ravi also underscored the bilateral trade, standing at USD 3.3 billion, showcasing the economic vibrancy of the relationship, with India’s exports playing a significant role. The upcoming India-Kenya Business and Investment Forum is poised to stimulate further economic cooperation, with President Ruto expected to address Indian business leaders.
“Kenya is a very strong partner in Africa in the development partnership. The bilateral trade is about USD 3.3 billion. Kenya imports about 1,16,000,000 and the investments from India’s side are about 3.2 billion. About 200 Indian companies are actively present in Kenya. During the delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister and President Ruto, several interesting ideas of cooperation have come up, one of which is the digital public infrastructure in this area,” he added.
Highlighting the enduring strength of defence cooperation, Ravi mentioned ongoing initiatives in maritime collaboration and hydrography. The business and investment forum will further facilitate interactions between the leaders, paving the way for increased Indian investments in Kenya.
“As you all know, Kenya and India are the founding members of the International Big Cat Alliance, and both have agreed to deepen cooperation in this area. Both sides have also issued the India-Kenya Joint Vision Statement on maritime cooperation in the innovation region. And this is one of the important outcomes of this meeting,” he added.
“The defence cooperation has always been strong, and since the day the Defence Minister visited last August, there has been ongoing defence cooperation, which includes maritime cooperation, hydrography, et cetera. In terms of the programme, later this afternoon there will be a Business India Kenya Business and Investment Forum, which the President will address. And there will be interaction with the Indian businesses in many areas,” Dammu Ravi also said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Kenyan President William Ruto at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two leaders held discussions on deepening the partnership between India and Kenya. (ANI)
India, Kenya Share Common Views: President
Expressing her happiness over the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the Group of 20 (G20), President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said India and Kenya share common views on major global issues.
“India and Kenya share common views on major global issues and cooperate closely in regional and multilateral fora such as the United Nations. We are very happy that under India’s Presidency, the African Union has been included in the G-20 as a full member,” President Murmu said at a banquet hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the honour of her Kenyan counterpart William Samoei Ruto on Tuesday.
In her welcome address at the banquet, President Murmu said the waters of the Indian Ocean have connected the people of India and Kenya for centuries.
“Our friendship has matured into a robust bilateral relationship, underpinned by significant economic collaboration across various sectors, including trade, education, and technology. In addition, we have taken forward our cooperation in combating the global challenges and to substantiate global terrorism,” she said.
The President said she was happy to note that the 80,000-strong Indian-origin community in Kenya is “well integrated there, both socially and economically”.
“They are proud Kenyans, even as they have upheld Indian culture and values. This bears testimony to the inclusive character of Kenyan society,” President Murmu added.
India is one of Kenya’s largest trading partners and among the largest sources of investment in Kenya, she pointed out, adding that many Indian companies have made Kenya their base for their operations in East Africa.
President Murmu stressed further that India’s private sector was keen to ramp up investments in Kenya, adding that the Union government was also committed to being a dependable partner in the country’s developmental journey.
The President said the two countries must work together, “not only for the well-being and progress of our people but also for the citizens of the Global South”.
“Both leaders agreed that there are many other multilateral forums through which our two countries can work together,” she added.
At the banquet hosted by President Murmu, the Kenyan head of state was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Ruto also inspected a Guard of Honour before he was received at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)
The Kenyan President is accompanied by a high-level official delegation. His visit comes as Ruto’s first to India in his present capacity….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday called on Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, who is on a two-day state visit to India.
The Kenyan President is accompanied by a high-level official delegation. His visit comes as Ruto’s first to India in his present capacity.
“Honored to call on Kenyan President @WilliamsRuto at the start of his State Visit. Appreciated his perspectives on the concerns of the Global South. Valued his insights for the further strengthening of our bilateral ties,” posted Jaishankar on X.
Separately, the chairperson of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal also met with Ruto in New Delhi.
He highlighted to the President Airtel’s enduring relationship with and commitment to the people of Kenya in catalysing the digital economy of the country.
Mittal also spoke to the President about the benefits of co-innovation and collaboration in distributing the success of the Indian Digital Public Infrastructure to Kenya.
The Kenyan President is paying a state visit to India from December 4-6 at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu.
During his stay in India, Ruto will meet President Murmu. He will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on December 5, as per a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
A state banquet will be hosted by President Murmu in honour of President Ruto.
The Kenyan President will also hold detailed discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ruto will also participate in a business and investment event in New Delhi.
A presidential visit from Kenya is taking place after a period of over six years and is expected to strengthen and invigorate the bilateral relations between the two countries, as per the official release.
Kenyan President William Ruto last Friday termed his country’s ties with India “fantastic” and thanked PM Modi for making sure that the African Union (AU) becomes a permanent member of the G20.
He said that India and Kenya have a fantastic bilateral relationship and added that he is looking forward to visiting India.
“India has made a very huge contribution. We want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making sure that Africa became a permanent member of the G20 during his presidency. And we will be having further conversations with him,” the Kenyan President told ANI.
“We have a fantastic bilateral relationship and it is my intention that we are going to build on that relationship during my visit to India later…,” he added.
The African Union is a continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. The move to include the African Union in the G20 grouping was proposed by PM Modi earlier this June.
PM Modi, in his opening remarks at the 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit, invited the African Union, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member.
“With everyone’s approval, I request the AU head to take his seat as a permanent G20 member,” Modi said in his address.
Following PM Modi’s announcement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accompanied the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani, as he took his seat among world leaders. (ANI)
Established in 2007 with 300 members, the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association has seen its membership grow to 639 as it continues to oversee the management of the market….reports Asian Lite News
Benchmark Solutions Limited, an advisory firm specializing in structured trade and project financing based in Nairobi, has entered into an agreement for a funding arrangement totaling $11.633 million with Uganda’s Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association (Limited by Guarantee). The allocated funds will be utilized for the redevelopment of the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market.
The agreement was signed in Nairobi by Benchmark Solution Chief Executive Officer Laura Akunga Muriithi Mwenje and Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association Chairman Mr. Thomas Mukundane.
The signing was witnessed by Mr. Deus Nkwasibwe who represented the Office of the President (Uganda); Planbuild Technical Services Director Mr. Dennis Wandera; and Planbuild Technical Services Finance Officer Mr. Simon Jungu.
Commenting on the agreement Ms. Akunga said: “Benchmark Solutions is pleased to be part of this important arrangement, which we believe is a significant step forward in the revitalization of the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market – an iconic trading center that has been a cornerstone of Mbarara’s regional commerce since 1960.”
Established in 2007 with 300 members, the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association has seen its membership grow to 639 as it continues to oversee the management of the market.
The market is located on 1.67 acres of land in the heart of Mbarara City’s central business district. It comprises 67 lockup shops, 106 kiosks, 150 stalls, 16 restaurants, and 69 second-hand clothing shades. However, these facilities have fallen into a state of functional and economic obsolescence over the years.
The US$11.633 Million Real Estate Project Financing will be used to transform the existing market into a modern, seven-story shopping center featuring 280 lockup shops, 130 shelled rooms, 330 stalls, a daycare center, 30 toilet facilities, 60 underground parking bays, and 30 roadside parking bays.
“The aim of the project is to overhaul the market and so as to provide a conducive and contemporary environment for small-scale vendors within Mbarara Makhan Singh Market,” Mr. Mukundane said.
The renovation work is expected to be completed in a span of 28 to 36 months.
Benchmark Solutions Limited is a transactions advisory firm specializing in structured trade financing and project financing. IWith operations in 18 African countries and being members of International Loan Markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, Benchmark Solutions Limited serves as an intermediary between international lenders, policy banks, commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, private equity funds, and entities seeking to invest debt or equity in African governments, financial institutions, and privately owned companies across the African continent.
Kenya nevertheless has special resonance for the royal family…reports Asian Lite News
King Charles III and Queen Camilla began a state visit to Kenya on Tuesday, facing widespread calls for an apology over Britain’s bloody colonial past.
Although the four-day trip has been billed as an opportunity to look to the future and build on the cordial modern-day ties between London and Nairobi, the legacy of decades of British colonial rule looms large.
It is the 74-year-old British head of state’s first visit to an African and Commonwealth nation since ascending the throne in September last year on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The royal couple, who arrived late Monday, were welcomed at a formal ceremony on Tuesday by Kenyan President William Ruto, who has hailed the visit as a “significant opportunity to enhance collaboration” in various fields.
The British High Commission said the tour, which follows trips to Germany and France earlier this year, will “spotlight the strong and dynamic partnership between the UK and Kenya.”
But it will also “acknowledge the more painful aspects” of Britain’s historic relationship with Kenya as the East African country prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence in December.
This includes the 1952-60 “Emergency,” when colonial authorities brutally suppressed the Mau Mau guerrilla uprising, one of the bloodiest insurgencies against British rule.
At least 10,000 people — mainly from the Kikuyu tribe — were killed, although some historians and rights groups claim the true figure is higher.
Tens of thousands more were rounded up and detained without trial in camps where reports of executions, torture and vicious beatings were common.
The royal visit also comes as pressure mounts in some Caribbean Commonwealth countries to remove the British monarch as head of state, and as republican voices in the UK grow louder.
Kenya nevertheless has special resonance for the royal family.
It is the country where Elizabeth learned in 1952 of the death of her father, King George VI, marking the start of her historic 70-year reign.
And it comes almost exactly four decades since Elizabeth’s own state visit in November 1983.
During two days in the capital Nairobi, Charles and Camilla will meet entrepreneurs and young Kenyans, and attend a state banquet hosted by Ruto.
Charles will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Uhuru Gardens, where Kenya declared independence in December 1963.
Some students are responding positively to medication, while others are still under medical care”…reports Asian Lite News
A mysterious disease has affected about 95 schoolgirls in Kenya who have been paralysed, according to media reports.
Officials from Kakamega county confirmed 95 students from St. Theresa’s Eregi Girls High School, located 374 kilometres northwest of Nairobi, had been hospitalised after alleged paralysis in the leg, KBC.co.ke reported.
Kakamega County’s CEC for Health, Bernard Wesonga, said samples of blood, urine, and stool have been collected and sent for extensive testing to determine the cause of the unknown illness that has caused panic and anxiety among parents.
Some students are responding positively to medication, while others are still under medical care” he was quoted as saying.
The affected students have reportedly displayed symptoms of knee pain, which has resulted in difficulty walking. Local media reports claim that the girls are experiencing a condition that renders their legs numb and immobile. Some are reportedly also suffering with severe headaches, vomiting, and fever.
Meanwhile, the school has reportedly been closed indefinitely, following a meeting between school administrators and officials from the Education Ministry
The government has urged parents and guardians of the affected students to stay vigilant and monitor their children’s health closely, as health officials work to identify the causes and establish containment measures.
During the meeting, Defence Minister Singh highlighted the importance India attaches to its ties with African nations…reports Asian Lite News
India will assist Kenya with capacity building and collaboration in the defence industry, including in the area of ship design & construction, as it looks at greater cooperation with the African nation to ensure maritime security of the Indian Ocean Region.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and visiting Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Bare Duale, who met in New Delhi, had detailed discussions on cooperation in defence industry and equipment.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Goa Shipyard Limited and Kenya Shipyard Limited in the field of capacity building and for collaboration in ship design and construction, India’s Ministry of Defence said after the meeting.
Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Duale appreciated the growing prowess of the Indian defence industry, including the private sector, and highlighted the areas in which the Indian industry can support the requirements of the Kenyan Forces. He also suggested ‘training of trainers’ of Kenyan Forces by the instructors of Indian Armed Forces in order to maintain continuity and extract greater benefit out of such programmes, the ministry added.
“The meeting was a testimony to the increasing depth in the India-Kenya defence partnership. Both the Ministers agreed that the defence relationship between the two countries has evolved from being training-centric to include more strategic aspects,” the Ministry of Defence said.
During the meeting, Defence Minister Singh highlighted the importance India attaches to its ties with African nations. The two ministers agreed that the relationship between India and Kenya has been growing from strength to strength. They also concurred on the need for deeper cooperation in maritime security of the Indian Ocean region, the Ministry of Defence said.
As a token of friendship, Singh presented 15 pairs of parachutes (main and reserve) manufactured by Gliders India Limited to the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence for use by the Kenyan Forces. India also extended support towards setting up of an advanced CT scan facility in Kenya.
Both sides agreed for joint training in counter insurgency and UN peacekeeping domains. Other regional security issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane also attended the meeting along with senior officials of Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs and Defence PSUs.
ICJ ruling on border dispute draw opposing reactions from Kenya, Somalia.(Xinhua/IANS)
Mackenzie, a former taxi driver-turned-preacher, has been in police custody since mid-April. On July 3, a court in the port city of Mombasa extended his detention by a month pending investigations…reports Asian Lite News
The death count in an investigation linked to a Kenyan cult that practised starvation to “meet Jesus Christ” has exceeded 400 after 12 more bodies were found, a senior official said.
“Total death Toll – 403,” Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said, following the latest round of exhumations in the Shakahola forest, where cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie allegedly urged followers to starve to death.
“Exhumation continues tomorrow,” Rhoda Onyancha added, as investigators search for more graves in the forest, where the first victims — some dead, others alive but weakened and emaciated — were discovered on April 13.
According to government autopsies, starvation appears to have been the main cause of death, although some victims, including children, were strangled, beaten or suffocated.
Mackenzie, a former taxi driver-turned-preacher, has been in police custody since mid-April. On July 3, a court in the port city of Mombasa extended his detention by a month pending investigations.
State prosecutors have said he is facing terrorism or genocide-related charges, but he has not yet been required to enter any plea. The self-proclaimed pastor and father of seven set up the Good News International Church in 2003.
Questions have been raised about how he managed to evade law enforcement despite a history of extremism and previous legal cases. It has also drawn President William Ruto to weigh in on the sensitive subject of Kenya’s homegrown religious movements — and failed efforts to regulate unscrupulous churches and cults that have dabbled in criminality.
There are more than 4,000 churches registered in the East African country of around 50 million people, according to government figures.
Mackenzie fell foul of the law in 2017 after he was accused of urging children not to attend school, claiming the Bible did not recognise education.
He was arrested again in March, after two children starved to death in the custody of their parents but was subsequently freed on bond.
Following the discovery of the mass graves near the Indian Ocean town of Malindi, Mackenzie, his wife and 16 other defendants were taken into custody.
The 16 men are accused of operating an armed “enforcer gang” tasked with ensuring that no one broke their fast or left their forest hideout alive. They remain in jail.
Mackenzie’s wife, who was held for 62 days, was released earlier this month on a 100,000 Kenya shillings ($707) bond. Last month, 65 of his followers who were rescued were charged with attempted suicide after they refused to eat, drawing condemnation from rights groups.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said the move was “inappropriate and will traumatise the survivors at a time when they most desperately require empathy”.
Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki last week accused the police of laxity in investigating the initial reports of starvation in the forest.
Kithure Kindiki, who was speaking before a senate committee probing the saga, also laid blame on the judiciary for their handling of earlier cases involving Mackenzie, saying that prosecutors should have ensured he remained in jail.
“The Shakahola massacre is the worst breach of security in the history of our country,” he said, vowing to “relentlessly push for legal reforms to tame rogue preachers.”
