President William Ruto has congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, expressing optimism over continued cooperation between Kenya and Britain.

In a statement shared on X on Monday, July 20, 2026, Ruto wished Burnham success as he assumes office and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

“Congratulations, The Right Honourable Andy Burnham on your appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. On behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of Kenya, I wish you every success as you assume this important responsibility,” Ruto’s statement read in part.

The president said Burnham’s record in public service reflects values that resonate with Kenya’s development agenda.

“Your appointment is the culmination of a distinguished record of public service and a steadfast commitment to practical, people-centred leadership, values that align closely with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.”

Ruto outlines areas of cooperation

Ruto said Kenya looks forward to working with the new UK administration to deepen the long-standing partnership between the two countries.

“I look forward to working closely with your Government to deepen our long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership and expand cooperation in trade and investment, green growth, innovation, security and other shared priorities.”

He added: “Together, we will strengthen the enduring friendship between our two nations and create greater opportunities and shared prosperity for the citizens of our two nations.”

Kenya and the United Kingdom maintain close diplomatic and economic ties, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, climate action, education and security.

The president’s message was among the first congratulatory statements from African leaders following Burnham’s appointment.

Burnham takes over after Starmer’s exit

Burnham assumes office after Sir Keir Starmer stepped down as prime minister and Labour Party leader following mounting pressure within the governing party.

Earlier on Monday, July 20, 2026, Burnham was sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Makerfield after winning the by-election with a 9,000-vote majority over Reform UK.

The former mayor of Greater Manchester previously represented the neighbouring Leigh constituency between 2001 and 2017 before moving to local government.

Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also backed Burnham’s leadership after resigning from Starmer’s government last month.

Emotional farewell before move to Downing Street

Before leaving Manchester for London, Burnham bid farewell to staff at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, where he served as mayor.

During the send-off, he received a Manchester-themed armchair embroidered with the city’s bee symbol and skyline, alongside the words, “we do things differently here.”

Burnham described serving as mayor of Greater Manchester as “the privilege of my life” and thanked staff for their support.

As he begins his tenure at 10 Downing Street, Burnham has pledged to focus on key domestic priorities, including tackling rough sleeping and addressing the cost-of-living challenges facing households across the United Kingdom.

His appointment ushers in a new phase in UK leadership as governments around the world, including Kenya, signal their readiness to work with his administration on shared economic and diplomatic priorities.