Britain and Kenya are stepping up cooperation along Kenya’s coast, with a renewed focus on economic opportunities, youth empowerment, maritime security and sustainable development.
The United Kingdom and Kenya are deepening their strategic partnership in the coastal region, aiming to strengthen local economies, create employment opportunities and improve security while ensuring that communities outside the capital benefit from bilateral cooperation.
A team from the British High Commission in Nairobi recently completed a two-day visit to Mombasa, meeting government officials, business representatives, young leaders, faith communities and other partners to discuss the future of UK-Kenya relations.
The visit, organised as a regional diplomatic “pop-up”, brought British representatives closer to communities and organisations working on the ground. High Commissioner Matt Baugh and Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett also toured several UK-backed initiatives, including Swahilipot Hub, Milly Glass Works and the Counter Terrorism Bureau.
The projects demonstrate the breadth of British engagement in the region, ranging from youth development and innovation to industrial growth and counterterrorism cooperation.
Strengthening economic ties and creating opportunities
The visit comes one year after the launch of the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, under which the two countries have continued to expand cooperation in trade, security, climate action and innovation.
Bilateral trade has reached a new milestone, exceeding KSh340 billion (£2 billion) for the first time this year. Kenyan exporters also benefit from tariff-free access to the British market, providing opportunities for businesses to expand internationally and generate employment.
Mombasa occupies a central position in this relationship. As Kenya’s principal maritime gateway, the city is essential to international commerce, the development of the blue economy and regional security.
The Port of Mombasa handles approximately 95% of Kenya’s international trade. British-backed programmes, including initiatives delivered through TradeMark Africa, have helped improve the efficiency, safety and reliability of regional trade routes.
These improvements have contributed to a significant increase in cargo volumes, which have risen by almost a third over four years. The time required to transport goods from Mombasa to Kampala has also fallen dramatically, from 18 days to just four.
The benefits of the partnership extend to coastal communities beyond the port. The UK has invested more than KSh120 million in an aquaculture hub in Mtwapa, supporting the development of sustainable fish farming and new economic opportunities.
In Kilifi, British assistance is helping fishing communities restore marine ecosystems while protecting livelihoods that depend on healthy coastal waters.
Security cooperation remains a priority
Regional security was another major component of the British delegation’s programme.
The UK continues to support the Counter Terrorism Bureau in Mombasa and provide training to Kenya’s marine forces. These activities build on more than two decades of cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism and strengthening security capabilities.
The partnership reflects the importance of protecting the coastal region, which serves as a major commercial gateway and plays a significant role in the security of East Africa.
Young people and local communities at the centre
Engagement with local communities was a central objective of the visit.
During a roundtable discussion, young leaders from across the coastal region met British representatives to discuss the challenges facing their communities, including employment, economic development and access to opportunities.
Participants also presented locally developed initiatives and practical solutions aimed at improving prospects for young people.
The British High Commission organised an Open House at Tononoka Hall, giving members of the public an opportunity to meet the diplomatic team, learn about available opportunities and share their views on the bilateral relationship.
The programme also highlighted the cultural identity and entrepreneurial energy of the coastal region. British representatives worked with local content creators and food influencers, including Qamili Dave and Shaheed Ali, to showcase Mombasa’s culinary traditions and vibrant food culture.
These activities were intended to strengthen connections between the two countries through cultural exchange and engagement with local communities.
A partnership reaching beyond Nairobi
The Mombasa visit underscored the UK’s commitment to developing relations with Kenya across the country, rather than concentrating cooperation solely in the capital.
By combining trade facilitation, investment, youth empowerment, environmental protection and security cooperation, the two governments are seeking to build a partnership that delivers tangible benefits for people living along the coast.
With Mombasa serving as a gateway for international trade, a centre of the blue economy and a regional security hub, the coastal region is expected to remain a key focus of UK-Kenya cooperation.
The two countries continue to pursue a shared ambition: a stronger economic relationship, safer communities and inclusive growth that creates opportunities for Kenyans across the region.
