Cultural Exchanges

An MoU on cultural exchange program between two countries was signed on December 2023.  Kenyan cultural troupes have been participating in annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela and Kenyan artists do take part under various international cultural events organized by GoI. Also, Indian artists have been participating at the Kenya Music Festival, KITFEST and other key cultural fests in Kenya. The Mission has also facilitated  grants-in-aid sponsored by Ministry of Culture , Govt of India to the Kenyan registered cultural organizations  who are actively engaged in promoting Indian culture in Kenya.

Mission regularly organizes visits of cultural troupes from India [sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)] to promote the Indian dance/art forms locally. In Nov 2025, a Rajasthani folk troupe, ‘Balam Choto So’, undertook a cultural tour of Kenya and  showcased traditional Rajasthani folk dances , which was very well received locally .

The Kenya–India Friendship Association (KIFA) was established in 1981. The ‘Bharatwallah Alumni Association’ (BAA)—an alumni association of Kenyan students who have studied in India over the past five decades—was formally launched in May 2016.

There have been robust bilateral educational ties and active MoUs for student exchanges between leading universities/institutes of India and Kenya. Mahatma Gandhi library in University of Nairobi has a dedicated India corner , the library was  renovated through grants from Govt of India , as a symbol of friendship between two countries. ITEC and ICCR alumini serves in various capacities in Kenyan universities, institutes and govt departments, which symbolizes the GoI priority for capacity building and skill development in Kenya.  Bollywood movies were screened during  cultural festival of Kenyatta university in Dec 2025, as well as most recently in Mar 30, 2026 in University of Nairobi  which was well appreciated by the students.

An MoU on the establishment of an ICCR Chair on Indian Studies between ICCR and the University of Nairobi was signed in March 2015. Dr. Seepana Prakasam served as the first ICCR Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Nairobi from September 2016 to July 2017. Talks are under process to establish chairs of Indian studies in leading Kenyan universities.

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