When it comes to delivering economic growth, there are marathons and there are sprints.
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Sometimes economies must be patient. Sometimes opportunities to get ahead must be seized.
Kenya starts at the front of the pack and can lead Africa’s next decade of growth. The question is not whether investors are interested in this race, it is whether the Government is ready to accelerate progress when the competition heats-up.
The starting point is strong.
East Africa is where Africa’s future is being written. By 2040, the region is projected to generate almost a third of the continent’s GDP.
Kenya, as its economic anchor, has what it takes to lead that transformation: a dynamic private sector, renewable energy, and a young, highly skilled workforce.
The UK is backing Kenya to turbocharge itself into an unassailable lead: not as an outdated donor, but as a modern investment partner – Kukimbia Pamoja. And we are committed for the long run.
Today, over 150 British companies operate in Kenya, employing more than 250,000 people, and ranking among the largest taxpayers.
Bilateral trade recently broke the GBP 2 billion milestone (Sh340 billion) for the first time in November last year.
Yes, the recent market exits by UK companies Diageo and De La Rue have made headlines – but that is not the full story, and the race is far from over. Comparing trade data from decades ago gives a false impression that we’re hanging up the running shoes.
In reality, the nature of our partnership has evolved and is now far more aligned to the economic demands of the 21st century.
In line with the UK Government’s new ‘Approach to Africa’ and a switch from donor to investor, we’re building an exciting partnership rooted in innovation, sustainability and value creation.
M-Pesa, co-developed with UK expertise, remains one of the world’s most powerful examples of Kenyan innovation at scale. We are now exploring the potential for a UK-Kenya Digital Trade Agreement, a frontier area of trade that matters deeply to both our economies.
We are working to turn ideas into investable projects – running this race together across counties and cities. Through Manufacturing Africa, for example, we have supported 21 deals to financial close, raising over £600m (KES 103bn) in foreign direct investment, and creating over 35,000 jobs.
Our ambition is Olympic. The new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership aims to double Kenya-UK trade by 2030.
But as an honest teammate, we know the trajectory of trade and investment could be even stronger.
British companies tell us that doing business in Kenya has become harder. Some investors have scaled back or exited, not for lack of opportunity but because of structural barriers.
High and unpredictable energy costs, despite Kenya’s renewable advantage, undermine competitiveness. Power outages disrupt production.
Regulatory uncertainty and complex tax administration create risk where clarity is needed. Corruption and Kenya’s grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force raise compliance costs and reduce investor confidence.
These challenges affect businesses, limiting gains in job creation.
The private sector is the engine of economic transformation. A government’s role is to clear the road ahead through predictable regulation, fair enforcement, transparent procurement, and efficient public services. Further action is now needed to improve the overall business environment.
That is why this week’s Kenya-UK Business Forum matters.
It’s an opportunity for honest dialogue with over 180 businesses about what it will take to turbocharge more trade, unlock more investment, and create more jobs. The UK is here to commit, hustle, and put in the hard yards.
Kenya can be Africa’s premier investment hub. The UK can be the teammate that helps deliver that. The moment to accelerate is now.
When Kenya and the UK run together, we go further – and faster.