UK–Kenya Business Forum 2026 Strengthens Trade and Investment Partnership
The UK–Kenya Business Forum 2026 has reinforced trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Kenya, bringing together senior government officials and more than 180 business leaders from both countries.
Convened in Nairobi for the first time by the British High Commission Nairobi and the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya (BCCK), the high-energy, solutions-focused forum created a platform for dialogue, partnership building, and knowledge exchange between the public and private sectors.
Business exhibitions, B2B matchmaking sessions, and expert-led panel discussions explored priority sectors including services, digital trade, green manufacturing, and SME growth, with a strong emphasis on women- and youth-led enterprises.
The engagements underscored the evolution of the Kenya–UK economic relationship and its responsiveness to emerging regional and global opportunities.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui described the forum’s theme “Building UK–Kenya Trade and Investment Partnerships for Sustainable Growth” as timely and deliberate.
He noted that the forum offered an opportunity not only to reflect on historical ties but also to shape a forward-looking partnership that delivers shared prosperity.
A key highlight of the forum was a fireside chat on unlocking trade and investment opportunities under the UK–Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of the EPA’s simplified rules of origin to promote value addition and improve product quality.
She identified strong demand for horticultural goods currently dominated by large firms as a major opportunity for smaller enterprises to scale and access the UK market.
PS Ombam further described the Kenya–UK EPA as a “docking station” for regional integration, noting that it is structured to allow East African Community partner states to join and serves as a gateway to expanded access to the UK market. In her closing remarks, she emphasized the need for collective solutions in extraordinary times and called for sustained collaboration to ensure trade growth in both nations.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ed Barnett, Acting British High Commissioner to Kenya, highlighted the importance of collaboration and reform in unlocking the partnership’s full potential. While noting that the relationship is rooted in innovation, he stressed that addressing challenges such as unpredictable costs and regulatory uncertainty is key to boosting trade and job creation.
Sonal Tejpar, Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya, emphasized the strength of long-standing trade and people-to-people ties between the two countries. She noted that bilateral trade exceeding £2.1 billion reflects the depth of the partnership and expressed optimism that improved infrastructure and a more predictable, business-friendly environment would drive further growth.
She reaffirmed BCCK’s commitment to promoting investment, empowering businesses, and supporting sustainable economic development.
The forum also marked the announcement of three new strategic partnerships aimed at advancing skills development, innovation, and clean growth. These initiatives signal a shared commitment to long-term economic cooperation aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the UK’s trade objectives in Africa.