500 Kenyan Startups to Benefit from New UK Deal

Kenya and the United Kingdom have signed a renewed five-year Strategic Partnership that will significantly boost investment in Kenya’s digital economy, startups, and small businesses.

Even though the deal is structured around four key areas: trade and investment, green growth and climate action, science and technology, and peace and security. Kenyan startups and SMEs stand to benefit directly from the new funding commitments.

The UK has pledged KSh 17.7 billion to support Kenya’s innovation ecosystem. According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, this funding will back over 500 startups, creating an estimated 30,000 new digital jobs.

"As part of the science, technology, and innovation pillar, the UK will channel £100 million (KSh 17.7 billion) into Kenya's innovation landscape. This investment is expected to benefit more than 500 start-ups, support 5,000 digitally driven SMEs, and create 30,000 new digital jobs," the statement read.

The UK also committed to mobilizing up to £1.5 billion (KSh 266.1 billion) in new investments and facilitating $250 million (KSh 32.3 billion) in capital markets funding by 2030 to drive growth across key sectors.

"The two nations have also committed to enhancing collaboration on artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to foster inclusive and sustainable digital growth," the statement added.

The partnership, which runs from 2025 to 2030, builds on ongoing cooperation between the two countries.