01/07/2025
Kenya and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger, forward-looking partnership after President William Ruto met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London today.
In their first official meeting since Prime Minister Starmer took office, the two leaders agreed to renew the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership, a broad bilateral framework originally signed in 2020 that has since been central to economic cooperation, climate action, security collaboration, and technological innovation.
President Ruto described the renewed agreement as a step in the right direction:
“We have renewed the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership, effectively setting the right tempo for more trade, investment, and green growth,” he said in a statement shared on his official X account.
Among the key highlights of the meeting was a mutual commitment to double bilateral trade within the next five years, reflecting both nations’ confidence in the partnership’s economic potential.
Kenya–UK trade currently stands at approximately KSh 155 billion annually (as of 2024), with Kenya exporting horticultural products, tea, and coffee, while importing machinery, pharmaceuticals, and vehicles from the UK.
The leaders also pledged closer cooperation in climate resilience, digital technology, and regional peace and security – areas that have defined the modern Kenya–UK relationship.
A Partnership Built on Progress
Since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership, the two countries have implemented joint projects such as:
The Nairobi Railway City Project, funded by UK Export Finance.
The Climate Finance Accelerator, a UK-Kenya program helping Kenyan businesses access global green financing.
The UK-Kenya Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which guarantees Kenyan goods duty-free access to UK markets post-Brexit.
Security and defense cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism training and peacekeeping support.
The partnership has also seen increased collaboration in education through Chevening scholarships, health cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and co-investment in the Kenya Digital Economy Blueprint.
Looking Ahead
President Ruto expressed optimism that the renewed deal would bring “tangible economic impact to our people” by leveraging Kenya’s growing role as a regional trade and innovation hub.
Prime Minister Starmer, in a joint statement, said the UK is proud to stand with Kenya in driving sustainable development and stability in East Africa.
With both leaders signaling a refreshed momentum, the Kenya–UK partnership is poised to be a cornerstone of international cooperation in Africa and beyond.