The United Kingdom and Kenya have solidified their commitment to a new Strategic Partnership, marked by a significant visit from Kenyan President William Ruto to London. This partnership is designed to foster robust economic growth, enhance climate and nature protection, boost collaboration in science and technology, and strengthen regional security. A core outcome of this visit is a pipeline of trade and investment deals projected to inject over £1 billion into the UK economy and create jobs across various sectors, including engineering, defence industries, technical and advisory services, and financial services, aligning with the UK government’s 'Plan for Change' to boost domestic prosperity.

A highlight of the economic agreements is the tender launch for a major urban redevelopment project: the Nairobi Railway City. Inspired by London’s Kings Cross regeneration, this initiative has already secured opportunities for UK businesses, with British architecture firm Atkins UK tasked with designing the central rail station and public square. The Kenyan government is exploring funding the project through finance mobilised by the UK’s Export Credit Agency, UK Export Finance, which is expected to generate UK jobs in engineering, technical, and legal services. Furthermore, the UK’s world-leading financial services sector stands to benefit significantly, as Lloyd’s of London announced its intention to join the Nairobi International Finance Centre, deepening ties between the two financial hubs and unlocking up to £500 million in insurance market potential across Kenya and the wider East Africa region. Discussions also covered the exploration of a bilateral digital trade agreement, aiming to leverage Kenya's burgeoning tech sector, often referred to as 'Silicon Savannah,' which is forecast to reach a value of £11.5 billion by 2032, thereby opening new opportunities for UK Plc.

Beyond economic ties, the partnership places a strong emphasis on security and migration. The UK and Kenya have entered into a new Security Compact, committing to increased collaboration against organised crime, human trafficking, and illicit finance. This includes intensified cooperation to disrupt air, land, and sea routes utilised by organised crime groups for illegal migrant transit through Kenya towards Libya and other nations, ultimately preventing onward migration to Europe. The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, underscored the historical and values-driven connection between the two nations, highlighting the modern, innovative, and respectful nature of this new partnership, which promises mutual benefits and job creation for both Kenyans and British citizens. Defence and counter-terrorism collaboration will also be enhanced, featuring joint training exercises and the establishment of a new counter-insurgency, terrorism, and stability operations centre. During the visit, defence sales exceeding £70 million were agreed upon, supporting manufacturing jobs in UK counties such as County Durham, Northamptonshire, and Surrey. Kenya currently hosts the UK’s most substantial military footprint in Africa, providing training for 3,000 UK troops annually.

The leaders, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President William Ruto, reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the region, underscoring the comprehensive nature of this strategic alliance. This multifaceted partnership, encompassing economic, security, and developmental pillars, aims to deliver tangible benefits and foster a deeper, more resilient relationship between the United Kingdom and Kenya.