LONDON — Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Monday chaired a high-level strategy session in London ahead of President William Ruto’s state visit to the United Kingdom. The meeting set the stage for the signing of a renewed five-year Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership covering trade, security, technology, and climate action through 2030.
The planning session brought together key Cabinet members, including Treasury Secretary John Mbadi, Transport Secretary Davis Chirchir, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, and Members of Parliament from the Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Transport committees.
The agreement will be officially signed at 10 Downing Street between President Ruto and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
“This engagement marks a major step in aligning our shared priorities for economic growth, digital inclusion, and public safety,” Mudavadi said following the meeting. “The renewed partnership is designed to deliver results that directly impact the lives of Kenyans.”
A statement from State House confirmed that the partnership aims to double trade between Kenya and the UK by 2030. It will also focus on job creation through digital skills training, counter-terrorism coordination, cyber threat response, and joint climate initiatives.
Key infrastructure projects will be fast-tracked under the trade and green growth pillar. These include the Nairobi Railway City project, which is expected to turn Nairobi’s central business district into a modern, transit-oriented economic zone. The UK has committed to mobilizing up to £1.5 billion (approximately KSh 285 billion) in new investments across Kenya by the end of the decade.
As part of the deal, Lloyd’s of London is preparing to launch a regional underwriting hub at the Nairobi International Financial Centre. The move is expected to solidify Nairobi’s status as a regional financial capital serving Sub-Saharan Africa.
While in the UK, President Ruto is also slated to deliver the keynote speech at the Africa Debate, an event hosted by Invest Africa. The forum brings together international investors and policymakers to explore avenues for economic cooperation. Ruto’s address is expected to highlight Kenya’s reform agenda and investment priorities.
The Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership was first signed in 2020 and is reviewed every five years. The 2025–2030 version renews both countries’ commitment to mutual prosperity, regional stability, and global cooperation.
The updated framework reflects growing bilateral engagement, underlining Kenya’s strategic role in East Africa’s economic and security landscape.
