The United Kingdom (UK) will channel KSh 17.7 billion into Kenya’s innovation landscape, including startups and SMEs, as part of the renewed Strategic Partnership 2025–2030 signed by Kenya’s President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- •The investment is expected to benefit more than 500 start-ups, support 5,000 digitally driven SMEs, and create 30,000 new digital jobs.
- •Kenya and UK have also committed to enhancing collaboration on artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to foster inclusive and sustainable digital growth.
- •The UK also pledged to mobilise up to £1.5 billion (KSh 266.1 billion) in new investments across Kenya, alongside facilitating $250 million (KSh 32.3 billion) in capital markets funding to spur development across strategic sectors by 2030.
During his visit to the UK, President Ruto also welcomed the growing international recognition of Nairobi as a leading financial centre in the region. This momentum is reinforced by Lloyd’s of London’s decision to establish a regional underwriting hub under the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC), projected to manage up to KSh 75.5 billion.
Nairobi’s standing is further strengthened by the expanding presence of reputable global institutions. Major technology firms such as Microsoft, AWS, and Apple have established their regional operations in Kenya, alongside global BPO companies and financial services firms and institutions, including BUPA global, Africa Speciality Risk, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
On the climate front, the UK and Kenya have committed to unlocking at least £200 million (KSh 35.5 billion) in green financing from a mix of public, private, and blended sources, advancing Kenya’s clean energy agenda and climate resilience goals.
Kenya and the UK have also agreed to an additional six weekly Kenya Airways flights between Nairobi and London to unlock the persistent cargo and passenger challenges.
President Ruto and UK PM Sir Keir Starmer also agreed to expand cooperation between their security and defence agencies through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations.
The two leaders welcomed the United States’ continued engagement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They also emphasised the importance of harmonising regional responses through the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).