Reflection on UK-Kenya one year later: A solid partnership that gets stuff done
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
This month we celebrate the first anniversary of the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership, signed by the President of the Republic of Kenya and the then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in London last July. It’s an opportunity to reflect not only on what has been delivered, but also on the enduring strength and ambition that define our relationship.
As Commonwealth nations and champions of the rules-based international system, Kenya and the United Kingdom share a deep and vibrant partnership, anchored in shared values, strong people-to-people ties, and a mutual commitment to address global challenges while unlocking shared opportunities.
A year ago, the question was always whether the partnership would be a document or a relationship. The answer is clear; it lies in the real projects, the real investment and the real momentum that the partnership is producing.
Trade is up. Investment is flowing. And we’ve started discussions on a Digital Trade Agreement that could make Kenya a gateway for digital commerce across the region. Bilateral trade between our two countries exceeded Sh340 billion (£2 billion) for the first time. Behind that milestone sit stories of amazing Kenyan brands such as Spring Valley Coffee, which earlier this year earned the accolade of London’s best new coffee house.
In June, we launched the Spearhead Africa Infrastructure Fund on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. A brand new, first-of-its-kind fund made possible by working together — securing investment in the things that Kenyans rely on every day. Better infrastructure means better services, like energy, digital, logistics and electrification. All of which strengthen long-term growth; growth delivered in partnership through UK funds raising Kenyan capital, delivering impact at scale.
We are also working together to strengthen resilience to our changing climate, back Kenya’s leadership as a global leader in climate action, mobilising financing for climate adaptation, reaching vulnerable communities, funding early warning and strengthening response. Over the past year, we’ve launched Kenya’s carbon registry, enabling greater access to carbon markets and climate finance. At the community level, UK-backed early action financing has already reached more than 8,500 drought-affected households, helping communities respond before a crisis escalates.
Security cooperation remains a critical pillar of the partnership — for over 20 years we have confronted terrorism together; today, through the UK–Kenya Security Compact, that commitment is joined by shared ambition to tackle organised crime, cyber threats and regional instability; and we are strengthening aviation, maritime and regional security, helping Kenya remain a safe and secure gateway to East Africa.
Kenya’s “silicon savannah” isn’t just a slogan; it’s increasingly a destination. Our partnership is also catalysing investment in Kenya’s innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening Kenya’s science and digital ecosystem because we believe Kenya will be a global technology destination, not simply a regional one.
But the greatest strength of the Kenya–UK relationship lies not in any single project, but in its breadth and depth. The partnership is built on decades of close cooperation between our governments, businesses, researchers, security agencies and, above all, our people. Around 130,000 Kenyans live and work in the UK, with more than 6,000 students studying at UK universities. At the same time, approximately 30,000 British nationals live and work in Kenya, and 150,000 visit each year, many drawn to Kenya by its beauty and diversity. Our universities are collaborating; our businesses are investing, our people are sharing.
All of this is taking place against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and volatile global landscape; one in which strong, stable partnerships matter more than ever. The UK–Kenya relationship demonstrates what is possible when countries work together with purpose, trust, and a shared vision. As we look ahead, our focus and our commitment remain clear: to deepen this partnership and ensure it continues to deliver meaningful results, especially for our young people.
One year on, the message is clear. Not only is the UK–Kenya relationship going from strength to strength; it is a partnership that gets stuff done.
By the UK High Commissioner to Kenya, Matt Baugh and Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK, Maurice Mak’oloo
Reporting originally appeared via Nation Africa. Read the full source for additional context.