Kenya and the United Kingdom have unlocked a major investment pipeline worth over KES178 billion (£1 billion), signaling a renewed commitment to deepening economic ties and delivering shared prosperity.

The announcement came during President William Ruto’s official visit to the UK, where both governments unveiled a slate of trade and investment deals poised to boost jobs and growth in both countries. 

The agreements cut across infrastructure, climate action, innovation, and regional security — signalling the expanding scope of UK-Kenya cooperation under the UK government’s Plan for Change.

Among the headline projects earmarked for investment is the Nairobi Railway City, a transformative urban redevelopment initiative modeled after London’s Kings Cross regeneration. 

British architecture firm Atkins UK has been commissioned to design the central station and public square. The project is expected to open up more opportunities for UK-based companies keen on tapping into engineering, legal, and technical services segments, with financing options currently being explored through UK Export Finance.

"We will draw lessons from the UK's thriving system to deliver the Nairobi Railway City, a grand project that will revolutionise our public transport," noted Ruto on X after touring London’s Kings Cross complex.

Beyond trade, the two nations have pledged enhanced collaboration in climate and nature protection, science and technology, and joint efforts to curb transnational organised crime — particularly targeting networks that exploit Kenya as a transit route for illegal migration to Europe.

Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia constitute four of the top ten countries for Small Boat arrivals in the UK are near neighbours of Kenya. 

"Through our shared history and values the UK and Kenya have always had a close connection," noted UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.

He added, "Now we are building a shared future; a modern, innovative and respectful partnership which is delivering real benefits – boosting growth and creating jobs for both Kenyans and the British people. We’re going far, together."

The UK and Kenya have also committed to increased defence and counter terrorism collaboration, including joint training and the creation of a new counter insurgency, terrorism and stability operations centre.

Defence sales worth over £70 million (KES12 billion) were agreed during the visit supporting manufacturing jobs in County Durham, Northamptonshire and Surrey. Kenya hosts the UK’s most significant military footprint in Africa, including the Nanyuki facility that trains 3,000 UK troops a year. 

The UK’s world leading financial services sector will also benefit; Lloyd’s of London will will be joining the Nairobi International Finance Centre, which will deepen the partnership between two leading financial centres providing access to up to £500 million (KES88.9 billion) of insurance market potential in Kenya and the East Africa region. 

The two countries also committed to explore the potential of a bilateral digital trade agreement. Dubbed ‘Silicon Savannah’, the value of Kenya’s tech sector is projected to reach £11.5 billion by 2032. A digital trade agreement will open up opportunities in the sector for UK Plc.

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