PM in Kenya: Modi Addresses Students at University of Nairobi

Kenya was the last stop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s four-nation tour of Africa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta. (Photo: AP)

As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five-day trip to Africa, Modi on Monday addressed students at the University of Nairobi in Kenya.

Kenya is the last stop in Modi’s trip which covered three other African nations – Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania.

The tour is a significant move to make the African mainland a priority for India’s foreign affairs.

Here are the highlights from Modi’s speech:

On India and Kenya’s Shared History

• To the passionate Gen Next of Kenya, I bring the warm friendship of over 800 million youth of India.
  
  
• Dear students, the University of Nairobi is a glorious instituion. It enjoys a formidable reputation, not just in Africa but all over the world. When I see your young, eager and intelligent faces, I know why.
  
  
• The university also showcases the shared history and similar experiences of India and Kenya as two developing countries.
  

On Mahatma Gandhi

• Just now, before entering this auditorium, I paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, whose statue at this University was unveiled exactly 60 years ago. The connection between Mahatma Gandhi and this fine university is among the early bonds of partnership between our two great nations.
  

On Kenya’s Invention of M-Pesa

• It was in Kenya that M-Pesa was invented in 2007. And the idea took the world by storm. It pioneered and led the growth of mobile money services globally.
  
  
• Through M-Pesa, those who stayed on the margins of financial systems are now being empowered in the mainstream. We now have a version in India as well.
  

On Indian Diaspora in Kenya

• President Kenyatta and I had a memorable interaction with the Indian disapora. Many decades ago, they made Kenya their home. Their affection and loyalty to Kenya is foremost.
  
  
• With significant presence of Indian companies in Kenya, our investment partnership is robust, diverse, and vibrant. This in turn creates jobs for the young and educated in both our societies.
  

On Yoga Lovers in Kenya

• India’s ancient heritage of yoga stands for holistic living that is in tune with nature. I’m delighted to know that over 7000 yoga lovers celebrated International Yoga Day on 19 June, on the grounds of Nairobi University.