President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United Kingdom following high-level talks with British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh at State House, Nairobi. The meeting underscored the two countries’ shared determination to accelerate cooperation in trade, investment and strategic development projects that will drive economic growth and create new opportunities.
The discussions focused on advancing the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership, with both sides committing to leverage the renewed framework to unlock greater trade, investment and infrastructure financing. The engagement reflects the growing importance of Kenya–UK cooperation in supporting the country’s economic transformation through long-term strategic investments.
President Ruto said the meeting reviewed progress under the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership signed in London last year by himself and the then British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The agreement provides a comprehensive framework for expanding collaboration across key sectors, including trade, infrastructure, climate action, regional security, science, technology and innovation.
“We agreed to leverage the Kenya–UK Economic Partnership Agreement to expand trade, investment, and shared economic opportunities,” President Ruto said after the meeting, emphasizing the importance of deepening commercial ties between the two nations.
The President also briefed High Commissioner Baugh on the implementation of the National Infrastructure Fund, whose operational rollout recently commenced. The two leaders explored opportunities for British investment and collaboration in strategic infrastructure projects that will enhance connectivity, stimulate industrial growth and support Kenya’s long-term development agenda.
Beyond economic cooperation, Kenya and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace and security in the region. The leaders noted that regional stability remains a critical foundation for sustainable development, increased investor confidence and expanded economic opportunities across East Africa.
The meeting marked the first official engagement between President Ruto and High Commissioner Baugh since the British diplomat assumed office in May. The UK High Commission has identified implementation of the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership as its top priority, with a focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, climate resilience and regional security.
The latest engagement builds on the renewed Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership signed in July 2025, which replaced the previous 2020–2025 framework and set ambitious targets to double bilateral trade within five years. The partnership also identifies flagship initiatives such as the Nairobi Railway City Project while promoting collaboration in defence, infrastructure and green growth, reinforcing Kenya–UK cooperation as a key driver of trade, investment and strategic projects that will accelerate Kenya’s economic transformation.
