The High Commission of India, Nairobi celebrated the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day 2016 on Wednesday, 28th September, 2016 at India House. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Hon’ble Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science & Technology, Government of the Republic of Kenya. The occasion was also graced amongst others by Hon. Dennis Waweru, MP, Prof. Peter Mbithi, Vice Chancellor of University of Nairobi, Dr. Kenneth Ombongi, Chairman of the Kenya-India Friendship Association (KIFA), etc. Over 160 invited guests comprising ITEC alumni including from the Kenyan Defence Forces, Kenyan citizens who studied in India including members of the Bharatwallah Alumni Assocation etc. attended the event. The gathering was addressed by the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, Ms. Suchitra Durai; Chief Guest H.E. Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Cabinet Secretary for Education; Hon. Dennis Waweru, MP; Dr. Kenneth Ombongi, Chairman of KIF;, Chairman of the Somalia-India Association (SOMINDIA) Mr. Hassan Isse, Brig. Henry Ofulah, Commander, Kahawa Garrison; Mr. El Samma Ndegwa, Deputy Secretary, M/o Transport & Infrastructure; and Ms. Rosemary Ngesa, Head of Telecom Dept., M/o Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries.
The ITEC Programme, one of the earliest flagship schemes of the Government of India, was started way back in 1964 by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. It is a fully funded programme intended for capacity building & skill development of officials of fellow developing countries all over the globe. The duration of the ITEC courses range from a few weeks to 2 years.
In 2015-16, over 10,000 ITEC slots were offered to 161 partner countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, several Pacific and the Caribbean countries. In the last few years, 100 slots have been allotted for Kenya. For the current year (2016-17), the slots have been increased to 120. Due to efforts of the High Commission of India, nominations have been received, for the first time, from County Governments like Nairobi, Isiolo, Makueni, Kilifi, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia etc. In the past 50 odd years, hundreds of Kenyan nationals have undergone training in India in diverse fields. In addition, ITEC Day also celebrates all those who have studied in India. Government of India offers 56 university level scholarships for Kenyan students in top Indian universities for undergraduate, post graduate and Ph.D courses. These scholarships are coordinated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). In addition, many students go to India to study in Indian universities on a self-financing basis.
H.E. Dr. Fred Matiang’i lauded India’s developmental assistance to Kenya including in the field of skill development and capacity building.
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Nairobi, 29th September, 2016
