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NEW DELHI: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh interacted with senior civil servants from Kenya, headed by Attorney General Ms. Dorcas Agik Abuya Oduor, on the occasion of the Special Capacity Building Programme on Leadership & National Transformation for Senior Civil Servants of Kenya.
The programme was organized by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Addressing the programme, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the shared legacy and historical ties between Kenya and India due to their shared experience under British colonial rule, which influenced their political and administrative structures. He noted that both countries are committed to democratic principles, transparency, and good governance.
The Minister also spoke about the maritime challenges and various environmental concerns, emphasizing the need to find sustainable solutions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Kenya in 2016, which provided a new impetus to bilateral relations through the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements in the fields of defense, trade, and developmental assistance.
The Minister also informed that the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) has trained more than 5,000 civil servants from neighboring countries in Asia and Africa, including Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Maldives, Vietnam, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Nepal, Gambia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.
Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Reform, Perform, Transform,’ Dr. Jitendra Singh praised administrative reforms, good governance practices, and capacity-building initiatives such as the Karmayogi Mission, which has evolved over the last decade. He emphasized that India has a robust civil service system, which ensures effective coordination between various governance institutions, including different ministries, departments, and public service bodies.
Speaking about some of India’s success stories in governance, Dr. Singh highlighted the Swachh Bharat Campaign, which has raised ₹2,326 crores by disposing of redundant office waste. He also stressed the importance of human intervention in an age of artificial intelligence, mentioning the establishment of a Human Desk Setup in 2023 to collect feedback post-grievance redressal. Dr. Singh also pointed out that India is leveraging next-generation technology for grievance redressal, citing CPGRAMS as a role model for many countries.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas initiative, in which five persons of Indian origin from Kenya were awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. The recipients were: Mr. Manilal Premchand Chandaria, Mr. PherozeNowrojee, Mr. P.V. Sambasiva Rao, Dr. Prakash M. Heda, and Dr. FRS De Souza (now deceased), in recognition of their contributions to their respective countries.
In conclusion, Dr. Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Kenya and pledged continued cooperation to further deepen the relationship between the two nations and their people. He also described the capacity-building programme as a milestone in bilateral relations, offering an opportunity for cross-cultural understanding and joint initiatives. Dr. Singh expressed confidence that, through shared knowledge and experiences, both nations could fortify the foundations of effective governance for mutual benefit.
“The cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among civil servants of both nations is a fruitful investment that will plant the seeds of transparent and efficient governance in both countries,” Dr. Jitendra Singh stated.
Attorney General Ms. Dorcas Agik Abuya Oduor expressed her gratitude to India for its continuous support in capacity building and unwavering assistance. Some senior civil servants from Kenya shared their experiences of studying in Indian universities, including those in Punjab, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. They also expressed their love and affection for Indian cinema and its profound impact on their lives.
