Why potential of new UK-Kenya strategic partnership is huge

“As Commonwealth nations and champions of the rules-based international system, Kenya and the United Kingdom enjoy a deep, diverse and historic relationship”. These were the opening words of a joint statement issued by President Kenyatta and his UK counterpart, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, at the start of their most recent meeting in London.

Meeting foreign dignitaries regarding the foreign relations of our country is nothing new. What was exceptional about this meeting was its outcome, namely the official upgrading of the Kenyan-UK relationship to the new status of “strategic partnership”.

This status change might seem like mere semantics. After all, our countries already benefit from close economic and diplomatic relations.  The change of the status of this relationship is, however, a significant step for the future of our bilateral ties with the UK and Kenyan foreign relations more generally. This change of status will formalise those already existing ties. It is a mark of the progress our nation has made.

In order to ensure the effectiveness of the upgrade, the agreed upon five year plan has been subdivided into the issues that interest our countries most, namely mutual prosperity, security and stability, sustainable development, climate change and people to people work. This attention to the detailed needs of both of our countries, and the subsequent effective structuring of our diplomatic ties, is a privilege afforded only to those possessing the strategic partnership status.

The concrete nature of this plan is already evident, with its announcement drawing commitments at the UK-Africa Investment Summit for upwards of GBP 1.35 billion in UK private sector investment. These include GBP 1.2 billion from Tullow, an investment which is integral for the future of our burgeoning oil sector, and whose future was previously up in the air.

Similarly important are investments by UK beer maker Diageo in a large-scale environmental project, investment in a solar farm by alternative energy firm Globeleq, as well as a creative initiative by housing developer Acorn Holdings, who will be issuing a first of its kind “green bond” aimed at encouraging sustainable building in Kenya.

All of these are issues that our country has been struggling to deal with alone that will now be addressed with the help of the private sector and our new improved relationships. This simply would have been impossible without our new strategic partnership.

This upgrading of the status of the relationship of our countries has also brought with it GBP 400 million in UK aid guarantees. These funds will be invested in educational initiatives, increasing trade and boosting job opportunities. In order to ensure support for such educational opportunities beyond financial support alone, discussions are reportedly being held on how the new status of our countries’ relationship could facilitate work visas for Kenyan students in the UK seeking to gain concrete work experience beyond their course-period. What better way to solidify this newfound strategic partnership than by taking action which indicates that it is now in the national interest of the UK to invest in the future of our people?

The timing of this change is not incidental. Uhuru chose to progress to this new stage of UK-Kenyan relations specifically as the UK finalises its departure from the EU. While UK leaders are mapping out their own country’s diplomatic and economic future, Uhuru has sought to highlight the inherent opportunities that the UK can find in Kenya in a post-Brexit world.

Strategic partnerships are not formed without reason. Representing Kenya as “the gateway to East and Central Africa”, our leadership has successfully demonstrated the added value that an upgraded relationship would undoubtedly bring the UK.

Uhuru has identified Brexit and the renegotiation of such deals directly with the UK as a chance to highlight the negative effect certain EU deals have had on Kenya’s financial interests and exports. These efforts have already resulted in an 18-month period where absolutely no tax will be imposed on imported Kenyan fresh produce. The implications of this for the farmers of our country are significant.

The development of our nation is a long and winding road. However, in order for us to become a truly prosperous nation, we simply cannot go it alone. It is vital therefore that we support yet further efforts to leverage the ‘gateway of East Africa’ on the global scene, creating more “upgraded”, special relationships between Kenya and our many international partners.