By Brian Rajula
The British High Commission has stepped up its engagement with businesses and communities at the Coast, bringing together stakeholders from different sectors to explore opportunities under the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership.
The two-day engagement in Mombasa attracted business personnel from various sectors, alongside government representatives, community leaders, young people and development partners, as the UK delegation sought to strengthen partnerships and highlight opportunities for investment, trade and economic growth.
Led by British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh, the visit focused on the practical impact of the Kenya-UK partnership in areas including trade, climate, security, innovation and economic development.
The engagement comes one year after the launch of the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, which seeks to deepen cooperation between the two countries while creating opportunities for jobs, investment and sustainable growth.
Mombasa was identified as a strategic location for the engagement due to its role as Kenya’s gateway to international trade, a centre of the blue economy and an important hub for regional security.
The business-focused engagement provided an opportunity for participants from different sectors to interact with the British High Commission delegation, share perspectives on challenges facing businesses at the Coast and explore areas where UK-Kenya cooperation could create new opportunities.
The programme also featured a Mombasa Open House at Tononoka Hall, where members of the public had an opportunity to meet the High Commission team and learn more about UK-supported programmes and opportunities in education, climate, business, innovation and community development.
Speaking during the visit, British High Commissioner Matt Baugh said the Kenya-UK relationship should extend across the country and not be centred only in Nairobi.
“Mombasa is where Kenya meets the world. It is the gateway for trade, the heart of the blue economy and a hub for regional security,” Baugh said.
He added that the two countries were working together to create jobs, unlock investment and strengthen security as the strategic partnership enters its second year.
The British High Commission also highlighted the importance of the Port of Mombasa, which handles around 95 per cent of Kenya’s international trade, linking businesses across East Africa to international markets.
The Coast’s blue economy and climate resilience were also highlighted as areas where UK-supported initiatives are helping create jobs, strengthen livelihoods and promote sustainable economic growth.
The Mombasa engagement is expected to strengthen connections between the UK, Kenyan businesses, government institutions and other stakeholders as both countries continue implementing the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership.
