Kenya, UK Seal Landmark Deal to Boost Jobs, Trade, and Climate Action
Kenya and the United Kingdom have launched a new five-year strategic agreement aimed at strengthening trade ties, driving job creation, and advancing climate solutions.
The pact unveiled in London following talks between Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy forms the backbone of the new Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership 2025–2030.
“This partnership will deliver measurable outcomes. It will create jobs, support innovation, and protect the environment,” said Mudavadi during the announcement.
Bilateral trade between Kenya and the UK currently stands at Ksh218 billion. UK companies rank among the top private employers in Kenya. The new agreement is expected to inject fresh momentum into both economies.
According to the UK government, the partnership will unlock Ksh177 billion in export finance, engineering, and defense manufacturing opportunities for UK regions such as Northampton and County Durham. On the Kenyan side, it promises to support local manufacturing and scale up climate-resilient development.
As part of the agreement, Lloyd’s of London will set up operations in Nairobi. The move positions Kenya’s capital as a regional insurance hub, opening up access to an East African insurance market estimated at Ksh88 billion.
The Nairobi International Financial Centre signed the agreement with Lloyd’s. The deal is expected to enhance risk coverage for Kenyan businesses, strengthen economic resilience, and open doors to global finance.
Mudavadi described the initiative as “a bold step rooted in mutual respect and shared ambition,” emphasizing its potential to elevate Kenya’s position as a center for financial services and investment.
The 2025–2030 plan prioritizes green growth, security cooperation, and scientific collaboration, offering a comprehensive platform for both countries to work toward sustainable economic goals.
The announcement marks a deepening of ties between the two nations, built on a long-standing relationship and a shared commitment to inclusive development.
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