This year, Kenya-UK trade passed KSh340 billion (£2 billion) for the first time, according to the British High Commission in a statement seen by APA on Tuesday.
Kenyan businesses have tariff-free access to the UK market, and the two countries cooperate on security, climate and innovation, the statement said.
Mombasa is at the heart of the Kenya-UK relationship being a gateway for trade, a centre of Kenya’s blue economy and a hub for regional security.
The Port of Mombasa handles around 95% of Kenya’s international trade, while UK support through TradeMark Africa has helped make trade there faster, safer and more predictable.
Cargo volumes have risen by almost a third in four years, while the journey from Mombasa to Kampala in neighbouring Uganda has reduced from 18 days to four.
The partnership extends beyond the port, the statement said adding that UK has invested more than KSh120 million in an aquaculture hub at Mtwapa, while it maintains support for fishing communities in Kilifi to restore marine habitats and livelihoods.
These issues were raised as British High Commission officials interacted with local people, businesses and leaders in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa recently.
The two-day ‘pop-up’ was with a view to strengthening UK-Kenya relations and building connections on the coast.
The team met the Mombasa governor, young leaders, faith leaders and key partners in the UK-Kenya relationship.
High Commissioner Matt Baugh and Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett visited several UK-supported projects, including Swahilipot Hub, Milly Glass Works and the Counter Terrorism Bureau, highlighting the UK’s partnership with local organisations to advance youth empowerment, economic growth, innovation and security in the region.
Members of the Mombasa public had the chance to interact with the British High Commission team, learn more about opportunities, and share their ideas.
The High Commissioner also engaged with popular Mombasa food influencers, including Qamili Dave and Shaheed Ali, whose content showcased the region’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture.
The pop-up reflected a simple idea – the UK-Kenya relationship is built across Kenya, not just in Nairobi.
According to the British High Commission, one year after the launch of the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, the two countries continue to build a better future together to create jobs, improve security in the region and support inclusive growth that reaches everyone.
Security was another important focus of the pop-up. The UK supports the Counter Terrorism Bureau in Mombasa and trains Kenya’s marines, building on more than 20 years of co-operation between the UK and Kenya to tackle terrorism.
A central purpose of the visit was to listen to the people shaping Kenya’s future. At a youth roundtable, young leaders from across the region discussed the opportunities and challenges facing their communities and shared locally-led solutions already driving change.
The Mombasa pop-up also celebrated the culture, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the coast through collaborations with local content creators and food influencers.
WN/as/APA