Details of multibillion shilling deals Ruto has sealed in UK

President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sign the renewal of the Strategic Partnership for 2025–2030 at 10 Downing Street, London, July 1, 2025. /PCS

Kenya and the United Kingdom have signed a renewed Strategic Partnership for 2025–2030 aimed at unlocking multibillion shilling investments across trade, technology, climate, and security.

The deal was sealed during bilateral talks between President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, London.

The agreement targets a doubling of bilateral trade by 2030.

"This is a clear signal of deepening relations between our two nations," President Ruto said after the meeting.

Under the partnership, the UK will inject £100 million (Sh17.7 billion) into Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.

The funds will support over 500 start-ups, 5,000 digital SMEs, and create 30,000 jobs.

Additionally, the UK pledged up to £1.5 billion (Sh266.1 billion) in new investments across Kenya, along with $250 million (Sh32.3 billion) in capital markets funding.

Digital cooperation will also deepen, with both countries agreeing to collaborate on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

On climate, the UK and Kenya committed to mobilising at least £200 million (Sh35.5 billion) in green financing.

The funds will come from public, private, and blended sources to support Kenya’s clean energy transition.

"This partnership is aligned with our vision of a green and digital economy," President Ruto noted.

To boost connectivity, Kenya Airways will add six new weekly flights between Nairobi and London, beginning this week.

The move aims to ease cargo and passenger demand while reinforcing commercial and tourism links.

Nairobi’s growing role as a financial hub received a boost with Lloyd’s of London planning a regional underwriting centre at the Nairobi International Financial Centre.

The facility will handle up to €500 million (Sh75.5 billion).

The leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation on security.

A Defence Cooperation Agreement will follow, covering intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training.

The two reaffirmed their commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

They also pledged support for regional peace efforts in South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, and the DRC.

The UK expressed support for Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.

“This partnership cements our shared vision for prosperity, peace, and progress,” said Prime Minister Starmer.

The Strategic Partnership is seen as a cornerstone for stronger Kenya–UK ties over the next five years.

On June 29, Ruto flew out of the country for high-level official visits to Spain and the United Kingdom.

According to a press release issued June 29 by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the President’s tour will focus on sealing major economic and diplomatic agreements while championing global financial reform.

In London, Hussein said, the President will join newly elected UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in signing the renewed Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership 2025–2030.

The five-year framework is built on four key pillars, which are trade, climate, technology, and security. 

The upgraded pact aims to double bilateral trade by 2030, equip Kenyans with digital skills, and bolster cooperation on regional stability, cybersecurity, and the fight against terrorism.

"The UK has committed to mobilising up to £1.5 billion in new investments across Kenya to drive growth across priority sectors by 2030," it states.

Under the trade and green growth pillar, both countries will prioritise the completion of flagship projects, including the Nairobi Railway City.

The project is set to transform Nairobi’s Central Business District into a modern, transit-oriented urban hub.

Ruto will also witness a major announcement by Lloyd’s of London to establish a regional underwriting hub in Nairobi under the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC).