UK and Kenya deepen trade and security ties as bilateral commerce tops £2bn

NAIROBI, November 2, 2026 — Britain and Kenya are seeking to expand trade, investment and security cooperation along Kenya’s coast, as bilateral commerce surpasses £2bn for the first time and both governments look to strengthen economic ties beyond the capital, Nairobi.

British High Commissioner Matt Baugh and Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett led a two-day visit to Mombasa, meeting business leaders, government officials and community organisations to discuss opportunities in trade, employment, maritime security and the coastal economy.

The visit comes one year after the launch of the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, which aims to deepen commercial relations, strengthen regional security and support economic development.

According to the British High Commission, bilateral trade exceeded KSh340bn (£2bn) in 2026, supported by commercial ties and preferential market access for Kenyan exporters.

Kenyan businesses benefit from tariff-free access to the British market under existing trade arrangements, providing opportunities for exporters in agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors.

Mombasa, Kenya’s principal maritime gateway, is central to the partnership because of its role in facilitating trade across East Africa and connecting landlocked economies to international markets.

The Port of Mombasa handles approximately 95 per cent of Kenya’s international trade, according to figures cited by the British High Commission.

British-backed trade facilitation programmes, implemented through TradeMark Africa, have supported improvements in cargo movement and regional transport efficiency.

Cargo volumes through the port have increased by almost one-third over the past four years, while the time required to transport goods from Mombasa to Kampala, Uganda, has fallen from 18 days to four days, according to the High Commission.

The improvements are significant for businesses operating along the Northern Corridor, a major regional transport route linking Kenya’s coast to Uganda and other East African markets.

Reducing transit times can lower logistics costs, improve supply chain reliability and make regional exports more competitive.

The UK has also expanded its involvement in Kenya’s coastal economy through investments in aquaculture and marine conservation.

British support exceeding KSh120mn has been directed towards an aquaculture hub in Mtwapa, while additional programmes are helping fishing communities in Kilifi restore marine habitats and strengthen livelihoods.

The initiatives form part of wider cooperation in Kenya’s blue economy, which encompasses fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport and other ocean-based industries.

The British delegation visited several UK-supported projects, including Swahilipot Hub, a centre for youth innovation and entrepreneurship, and Milly Glass Works, highlighting efforts to connect economic development with skills training and employment opportunities.

Security cooperation was another focus of the visit.

British officials visited the Counter Terrorism Bureau in Mombasa, which receives UK support, as the two countries continue cooperation aimed at addressing terrorism and strengthening regional security.

Britain also provides training to Kenyan marines, building on more than two decades of bilateral counterterrorism cooperation.

Mombasa’s strategic position on the Indian Ocean makes maritime security important to both Kenya’s domestic economy and wider regional trade.

Security cooperation is particularly relevant to commercial activity along the coast, where ports, transport networks and tourism businesses depend on a stable operating environment.

The delegation also met Mombasa’s governor, faith leaders and young people to discuss local economic priorities and the challenges facing coastal communities.

At a public event at Tononoka Hall, residents were invited to meet British High Commission officials, learn about available opportunities and contribute ideas on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Baugh said the visit was intended to make British diplomatic engagement more accessible outside Nairobi and deepen relationships with local businesses and communities.

“Our aim in bringing the British High Commission to the coast was simple: to be more accessible, to listen, and to connect directly with the people, businesses and communities that are helping to shape Kenya’s future,” he said.

“We had important conversations on everything from education, trade and investment to culture, conservation and the blue economy.”

He added that the partnership extended beyond formal relations between the two governments.

“But at the heart of it all is one enduring truth: our partnership is not only between governments. It is a partnership between people, strengthened by shared values, opportunities and friendships that continue to bring our countries closer together.”

The visit also included discussions with young leaders from across the coastal region, who presented locally developed initiatives addressing employment, education and community development.

Youth employment remains an important consideration for Kenya’s economic development, particularly as policymakers seek to expand opportunities in technology, manufacturing, logistics and services.

The British High Commission said its engagement with youth organisations and innovation centres was intended to strengthen connections between skills development and economic opportunity.

The delegation also met local cultural and food content creators, including Qamili Dave and Shaheed Ali, as part of efforts to highlight Mombasa’s creative industries and tourism potential.

The broader partnership reflects Britain’s efforts to maintain commercial and security relationships with Kenya, an important economic and diplomatic partner in East Africa.

For Kenya, cooperation with the UK provides access to an established export market, investment partnerships and technical support for trade infrastructure and security institutions.

However, the High Commission did not announce new investment commitments, trade agreements or specific employment targets arising from the Mombasa visit.

The economic impact of the partnership will depend on whether improvements in trade infrastructure, market access and investment translate into additional business activity and employment.

With bilateral trade now exceeding £2bn, both countries are seeking to build on their existing commercial relationship while expanding cooperation in sectors including maritime logistics, aquaculture, technology and regional security.

The Mombasa engagement signals an effort to ensure that the benefits of the UK-Kenya partnership extend beyond Nairobi to coastal communities whose economic prospects are closely linked to international trade and the Indian Ocean economy.