In a landmark move to deepen ties, Kenya and the United Kingdom have signed the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership 2025-2030, following high-level talks between President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London.
The agreement, built on four pillars—trade and investment, green growth, science and technology, and peace and security—aims to double bilateral trade, boost digital innovation, and strengthen regional stability by 2030.
Under the partnership, the UK will inject £100 million (KSh 17 billion) into Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, supporting over 500 startups, 5,000 digitally-driven SMEs, and creating 30,000 new digital jobs. Both nations will collaborate on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to drive inclusive digital growth.
Additionally, the UK has committed to mobilizing £1.5 billion (KSh 266.1 billion) in new investments and facilitating £250 million (KSh 32.3 billion) in capital markets funding to fuel development in key Kenyan sectors.
Nairobi’s rise as a regional financial hub was a focal point, with President Ruto highlighting the city’s growing global appeal.
Lloyd’s of London will establish a regional underwriting hub under the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC), expected to manage up to £500 million (KSh 75.5 billion) in premiums. Major tech giants like Microsoft, AWS, and Apple, alongside financial institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), have also set up regional operations in Kenya, signaling strong investor confidence.
On the climate front, the partnership will unlock £200 million (KSh 35.5 billion) in green financing to advance Kenya’s clean energy and climate resilience goals.
To strengthen economic and people-to-people ties, Kenya Airways will add six weekly flights between Nairobi and London, addressing cargo and passenger demand and boosting tourism and trade.
Security cooperation will also expand, with plans for a Defence Cooperation Agreement to enhance intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, supporting stabilization efforts in South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
Both leaders emphasized shared values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights, pledging to create legal frameworks that uphold constitutional rights while fostering harmony and justice.
“This partnership marks a new chapter in Kenya-UK relations, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for our people and economies,” said State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.
The agreement cements Kenya’s position as a regional powerhouse and sets the stage for transformative growth over the next five years.
