The City of Kisumu is steadily carving its place on the global investment map, following a high-level courtesy visit by the Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Adarsh Swahika, to the office of Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathews Owili.
The meeting, described as both strategic and cordial, underscored the enduring friendship between Kenya and India, one that continues to yield economic and social dividends across multiple sectors.
During the discussions, Dr. Owili reaffirmed Kisumu County’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, highlighting the county’s readiness to tap into opportunities for mutual growth in investment, technology, manufacturing, health and education.
“Kisumu is positioning itself as a strategic regional hub for investment, innovation, and shared prosperity,” Dr. Owili said. “We are proud of the Indian community’s continued contribution to our local economy and look forward to expanding our partnership.”
Kenya and India’s relationship dates back decades, anchored on shared history, cultural ties and economic cooperation. In Kisumu, the Indian community has been a cornerstone of this relationship, with significant investments in trade, construction, healthcare and manufacturing, key sectors that continue to drive the region’s economic engine.
High Commissioner Swahika’s visit reaffirmed India’s growing interest in regional collaborations that extend beyond Nairobi, signaling confidence in Kisumu’s emerging role as a business and diplomatic hub in western Kenya.
Kisumu’s expanding infrastructure, vibrant blue economy and newly revamped port position it as a gateway to the Great Lakes region, offering investors access to cross-border trade and industrial linkages.
The Deputy Governor noted that India’s vast expertise in small and medium enterprise development, renewable energy and digital innovation aligns with Kisumu’s growth agenda. Collaborative ventures in these areas, he said, will accelerate the county’s industrial transformation and create jobs for the youth.
“Our development priorities align closely with India’s strengths,” Dr. Owili observed. “Through such partnerships, Kisumu can attract quality investments that promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
Dr. Owili was joined during the engagement by senior county officials including CECs Farida Salim (Tourism and Trade), Jerome Ochieng (Infrastructure and Public Works), George Okong’o (Finance and Economic Planning) and Acting Chief of Staff Aloice Ager.
The team presented Kisumu’s investment blueprint to the High Commissioner, focusing on emerging sectors such as tourism, real estate, agro-processing and climate-resilient urban planning.
The visit marks yet another step in Kisumu’s growing diplomatic and economic footprint. In recent years, the city has hosted high-profile international events, including the Africities Summit and the Blue Economy Conference, bolstering its credentials as a global city ready for business.
As Kisumu continues to attract strategic international partnerships, such engagements with key nations like India reinforce its transformation from a lakeside city into a continental economic powerhouse.
“Our vision is to ensure that Kisumu remains a beacon of innovation and investment, connecting Africa’s growth story to global opportunities,” Dr. Owili concluded.
