R. A. Goenka is the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kenya for the last 5 years and here he shares with us the similarity between Kenya and India and why Kenya is an ideal destination for exchange of trade and tourism with India.

Since how long have you been the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kenya and what are your responsibilities?
I have been the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kenya in Mumbai for the last five years and have a full-fledged office at Bajaj Bhavan, Nariman Point. Our mission is to create a bridge that will strengthen relationships between businessmen of both countries. We arrange meetings between Kenyan and Indian businessmen and define areas where collaboration would be mutually beneficial such as in small-scale industries, infrastructure development, energy, information and communications technology and minerals. Our responsibilities also include providing guidance and necessary information for Kenyan students who are pursuing higher education in India. There are approximately 3000 Kenyan students currently studying at Indian Universities, mostly in Maharashtra, Gujarat and North India. Apart from higher education, Kenyans are also benefiting from technical and I.T. exchange between India and Kenya.

What are the various experiences of a visit to Kenya?
Kenya is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. It offers a breathtaking coastline, crystal-clear lakes and a wonderfully varied landscape. This setting is the backdrop to a major highlight of the Kenyan experience: the safari. Masai Mara, Tsavo, Samburu and Amboseli top the list of must-visit attractions. Safari tours are organized which enable travellers to have a glimpse of the untamed wild from close quarters. The Great Rift Valley is a natural wonder that has enhanced the beauty of Kenya a thousand-fold. The coffee and tea plantations in the gently rolling hills of Mount Kenya are sights never to be forgotten. In the course of your travels, you can stay at a number of hotels like Safari Park Hotel, Amboseli Sopa Lodge or the Masai Mara Sopa Lodge most of which are located within the game reserves.

What has been your experience of dealing with Kenya and why do you recommend Kenya as an ideal destination for the Indian traveller?
Kenya's sixth largest trading partner is India which underscores the close economic and cultural contacts between the two countries. This is helped significantly by a large immigrant Indian population (approx. 100000) in Kenya. The presence of a substantial number of people of Indian origin in Kenya is keystone to the Indo-Kenyan structural relationship. I believe in wealth by the people. The role of Indian entrepreneurs in the economy is most vital. The Indian community - because of its history, culture and long tradition of businessmen - has contributed to Kenya's economic development. The early links were strengthened when the British brought in unskilled and semi-skilled persons from India over a century ago to construct the railway line. A majority of early Indian settlers in East Africa made Kenya their home and linked their destiny with the indigenous people there.

What are the trade and investment opportunities that can be shared with Kenya?
Kenya has called upon Indian entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in the areas of textiles, fertilisers, pesticides and tyres. Kenya offers various benefits to investors including a liberal economic regime, cheap labour, investment protection and good market access to developed countries such as the United States. We still have only one tyre company in Kenya. Indian tyre companies must look at Kenya for setting up units. We also encourage Indian entrepreneurs to set up units in Kenya's export processing zones in the area of textiles and take advantage of the duty-free and quota-free access. Indo- Kenyan trade relations have been tilted in favour of India, with India's exports to Kenya at approximately $150 million and Kenya's exports to India at approximately $40 million. There is much scope for Medium and Small Scale Industries.

Kenya has taken several initiatives in conserving wildlife and maintaining the ecological balance. How can India learn from Kenya in areas of conservation of wildlife?
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is charged with the protection and conservation of the country's biodiversity. KWS is responsible for the conservation and management of wildlife resources outside protected areas in collaboration with the stakeholders. The community wildlife service was established in 1992 to work with others to conserve, protect and manage wildlife resources outside protected areas for the benefit of the people. The community wildlife programme of KWS in collaboration with others encourages biodiversity conservation by communities living on land essential to wildlife, such as wildlife corridors and dispersal lands outside parks and reserves. The premise is that if people benefit from wildlife and other natural resources, then they will take care of these resources. India must learn many things from Kenya Wildlife Service.

Are there safety concerns for travellers to Kenya given that there was political turmoil last year?
Regarding the political turmoil in January 2008, the issues were immediately addressed and remedied by both parties. A power sharing government was formed which ended months of political deadlock. The situation is under control and Kenya is a fantastic place to enjoy your holidays.

Kenya no longer requires Yellow Fever vaccination, however on return from Kenya, the immigration authorities insist that the Yellow Fever vaccination is essential. How does the Consul General's Office or the Tourism Office intend to address this situation?
We have requested Indian Foreign Ministry and World Health Organization about removal of Yellow Fever Vaccination on return from Kenya.

Which are the other portfolios you hold besides being the Honorary Consul General of Kenya and how do you manage these responsibilities?
I have more than 35 years of experience in industry and trading activities. Being a strong proponent of globalization, I have set up industries in India as well as overseas. I am currently involved in joint venture projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kenya. I have also established a chemical plant in Kenya and a steel rolling plant in U.A.E. Indian Products Trading Co. Pvt. Ltd. – of which I am Founder Director - is a company engaged in international trade, exporting to the African continent for the last 35 years. My other projects are the Security Printing Press for the Government of India, as well as being Chairman of Sanjana Cryogenic Storages Ltd. which has two liquid ammonia storages facility plants at Dahej, Gujarat and Haldia, West Bengal.

Lastly, what is your message to the readers?
From mountains to beaches and adventure to leisure,Kenya offers something for everyone. Do visit Kenya and enjoy life.

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