President Uhuru Kenyatta has applauded the role played by the Kenyan diaspora in economic growth, assuring them of his Government’s facilitation in their stay abroad.
Speaking in New Delhi where he addressed issues raised by students regarding their dwindling numbers in India, President Kenyatta said one of the ‘take homes’ of his State visit is the assurance by the Indian Government of increased slots for Kenyans who wish to study in India for specialised courses that may not be available in Kenya.
The President also assured Kenyan university students in India that they are eligible for loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
Noting that many Kenyans go for specialised medical treatment in India, President Kenyatta said his Government was working to improve medical facilities back home to provide the services Kenyans sought abroad.
“We appreciate that as much as India has provided us with great health services at relatively low cost in comparison to other parts of the world, it is still expensive and beyond the reach of majority of Kenyans,” President Kenyatta said.
He said his Government is collaborating with India in the health sector specifically in promoting the setting up of specialized hospitals and diagnostic centers in Kenya.
President Kenyatta disclosed that during his bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, they agreed that India would support the building of a specialized cancer treatment hospital in Nairobi that would serve Kenya and the region.
The President said Kenyatta National Hospital has also entered into an MoU with Apollo Hospitals of India on institutional capacity building particularly in training of specialist doctors and paramedics.
After the diaspora meeting, President Kenyatta was hosted at a State Banquet by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.
By PSCU