Kenya and the United Kingdom have entered a renewed Strategic Partnership Agreement set to run from 2025 to 2030, unlocking multibillion-shilling deals spanning trade, innovation, green growth, security, and climate action.
The announcement followed high-level bilateral talks between President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London on Tuesday, signaling a significant deepening of economic, technological, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Pillars of Partnership
The renewed Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership is anchored on four pillars: trade and investment; green growth and climate action; science and technology; and peace and security. Notable among the outcomes is a commitment to double bilateral trade by 2030 and provide digital skills training to 2.5 million Kenyans. The partnership also aims to enhance regional cooperation on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and climate resilience.
Massive Investments in Innovation and AI
Under the science, technology, and innovation pillar, the UK has pledged to inject £100 million (KSh 17.7 billion) into Kenya’s innovation ecosystem. The funding will support more than 500 startups, enable 5,000 digitally driven SMEs, and create 30,000 new digital jobs. Both countries also committed to collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to foster sustainable digital growth.
Additionally, the UK pledged to mobilize up to £1.5 billion (KSh 266.1 billion) in new investments across Kenya, alongside $250 million (KSh 32.3 billion) in capital markets support to enhance development across critical sectors.
Nairobi’s Rising Global Profile
President Ruto lauded the international recognition of Nairobi as a rising financial hub. This is bolstered by Lloyd’s of London’s decision to establish a regional underwriting hub under the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC), expected to manage up to €500 million (KSh 75.5 billion). Nairobi has also attracted major tech firms including Microsoft, Apple, and AWS, as well as global BPO companies and financial service firms like BUPA Global and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Green Finance and Climate Resilience
On the climate front, Kenya and the UK committed to unlocking £200 million (KSh 35.5 billion) in green financing from public and private sources to support Kenya’s clean energy and climate goals.
Improved Connectivity and Security Cooperation
In a move to enhance connectivity and tourism, Kenya Airways will operate six additional weekly flights between Nairobi and London beginning this week. On the security front, both leaders agreed to strengthen defence cooperation through joint operations, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. A Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) will be formalized to solidify these commitments.
Shared Values and Regional Stability
President Ruto and Prime Minister Starmer reaffirmed their shared values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights. They pledged to uphold legal and constitutional rights in both countries.
The two leaders also committed to supporting peace and security efforts in the region, including stabilisation initiatives in South Sudan, a new peace framework for Sudan, and enhanced support for Somalia. They welcomed continued U.S. involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and highlighted the role of regional blocs such as the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti was also reaffirmed, with both countries committing continued support to the mission.