President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday, July 1, signed a renewed Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership set to unlock over Ksh427 billion in investments between 2025 and 2030.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the new agreement, signed in London, focuses on four main pillars: trade and investment, green growth and climate action, science and technology, and peace and security.
“This renewed partnership is a catalyst for doubling bilateral trade by 2030, training 2.5 million Kenyans in digital skills, and strengthening cooperation on regional stability, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and climate resilience,” Mohamed stated.
Ksh17.7 Billion for Innovation and Digital Jobs
Under the science and technology pillar, the UK government will invest £100 million (Ksh17.7 billion) into Kenya’s innovation ecosystem over the next five years. The funding aims to support over 500 start-ups, empower 5,000 digitally enabled SMEs, and create 30,000 new digital jobs.
Mohamed also noted that Kenya and the UK would deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to promote inclusive and sustainable digital growth.
Green Financing and Capital Market Support
In addition to tech innovation, the UK pledged to mobilise up to £1.5 billion (Ksh266.1 billion) in new investments across Kenya by 2030. Another $250 million (Ksh32.3 billion) will be raised through capital markets to support development across key economic sectors.
Both countries committed to unlocking £200 million (Ksh35.5 billion) in green financing from a combination of public, private, and blended sources to support Kenya’s transition to clean energy and build climate resilience.
Flagship Projects and Job Creation
One of the flagship projects under the deal is the Nairobi Railway City, a £150 million (Ksh26 billion) infrastructure development expected to generate up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. The project will anchor the transformation of Nairobi into a smart, multimodal urban hub.
To support growing trade and tourism, Kenya and the UK agreed to increase Kenya Airways flights between Nairobi and London by six additional weekly flights, starting this week.
Security and Defence Collaboration
Security also features prominently in the new partnership, with both nations committing to enhance collaboration between their defence and intelligence agencies through capacity building, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised the strengthened partnership, describing it as a modern and forward-looking agreement that will bring tangible benefits to both nations.
“Through our shared history and values, the UK and Kenya have always had a close connection. Now we are building a shared future – a modern, innovative and respectful partnership delivering real benefits, boosting growth and creating jobs for both Kenyans and the British people. We’re going far, together,” Lammy said.
Nairobi Railway City Project Launches Procurement
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi highlighted the Nairobi Railway City (NRC) as a key symbol of Kenya’s future and the transformative potential of the Kenya–UK partnership.
“NRC is more than a transport hub; it is a symbol of Kenya’s future. Anchored at the new Nairobi Central Station, this multimodal development will seamlessly integrate commuter rail, Bus Rapid Transit, PSV, and non-motorised corridors,” Mudavadi said.
“This week, we are proud to announce the launch of procurement for the Nairobi Central Station. This is a call to global investors, innovators, and visionaries: come shape the future of urban mobility in Africa.”
The renewed strategic partnership reflects a growing and dynamic relationship between Kenya and the UK, driven by mutual priorities in economic growth, sustainability, and innovation.
