The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has strongly defended Kenya’s deepening bilateral ties with the United Kingdom amid rising concerns over the country’s foreign policy direction.

Mudavadi’s remarks also come amid growing public debate over Kenya’s global alignments, particularly in light of recent deals with the United States and the European Union.

 Nonetheless, his office has insisted that Kenya continues to pursue a non-aligned, interest-led foreign policy that seeks to diversify partnerships while protecting sovereignty.

Speaking on his X official account on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, following his high-level talks in London with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to a modern, forward-looking partnership with the UK, as the two nations usher in a new phase of cooperation under the Kenya–UK StrategicPartnership 2025–2030.

The strategic pact, he said, will deepen collaboration in green growth, science and technology, regional security, and climate action – sectors he described as critical to Kenya’s future and global stability.

“As Commonwealth partners, Kenya and the United Kingdom share a longstanding relationship grounded in history, mutual respect, and the exceptional talents of our people,” Mudavadi said.

His comments come at a time when Kenya’s foreign policy posture has come under increased scrutiny at home, with some political voices warning of overdependence on Western alliances at the expense of balanced, multi-vector diplomacy.

 However, Mudavadi pushed back against that narrative, framing the UK deal as both pragmatic and progressive.

“Our focus is firmly on impact. This partnership will drive job creation, foster collaboration among our researchers and innovators, and advance environmental protection,” he said.

UK-Kenya deal goodies

According to Mudavadi, the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership will not only deliver economic dividends for both nations but also position Kenya as a regional hub for financial and technological innovation. One significant development is the planned entry of Lloyd’s of London into Nairobi, which he said will make the capital a key player in East Africa’s insurance market.

“Lloyd’s of London is set to establish a presence in Nairobi, positioning our capital as a gateway to East Africa’s insurance market, valued at up to Ksh88 billion,” he stated.

In terms of trade, the UK remains a vital economic partner for Kenya. Bilateral trade currently stands at Ksh218 billion, with UK-based companies continuing to be among the largest private sector employers in the country.

Mudavadi revealed that the new agreement would unlock Ksh177 billion for the UK economy, creating export finance opportunities and manufacturing jobs in regions such as Northampton and County Durham.

“United Kingdom companies remain some of the largest employers in Kenya, and the new agreement is set to further energise both economies,” he explained.

The Foreign Affairs CS stressed that the partnership is underpinned by shared values and strategic ambition, adding that both countries are investing in a mutually beneficial future rather than a one-sided relationship.

“This is a partnership rooted in shared ambition, and one that holds immense promise for the future of our two nations,” Mudavadi affirmed.

Mudavadi said the deal marks a strategic recalibration of Kenya–UK relations, moving from legacy ties to a more results-driven partnership with clear deliverables. However, some observers are calling for greater parliamentary oversight on such agreements to ensure national interests are fully safeguarded.

The new Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership will be formally launched later this year, with implementation expected to begin in early 2026.