Kenya and the United Kingdom have inked new trade and cooperation deals following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May in Nairobi on Thursday.
According to President Kenyatta who was addressing journalists at a joint press briefing with British Premier Theresa May at State House, Kenya and the UK are looking to forge better trade links.
“Kenya and the United Kingdom have a long history of friendship. We all wish to prosper together so let us all do business together,” said the President.
Subsequently, President Kenyatta disclosed that cooperation between the two nations had further deepened following the signing of a number of agreements between the two states.
“The first agreement is a security pact that has led to increased support from Britain with equipment to enhance border and aviation security, capacity building and information sharing between Kenya and Britain,” said Mr Kenyatta.
President Kenyatta also revealed that the two nations had signed a framework that would ensure that assets from proceeds of corruption in Kenya that may be hidden in the UK are returned to the Kenyan people. The President had previously signed a similar deal with the President of the Swiss Confederation; Alain Berset, earlier this month.
“Fighting corruption is an important aspect of my own legacy program together with the unity of the country and the attainment of the Big Four Agenda. Depriving people therefore of the proceeds of their crimes is one major detriment against this vice and we are determined to make it painfully unrewarding and expensive to get involved in corruption in this country,” President Kenyatta said.
In addition, Kenyatta disclosed that May had assured him that the current duty free quota for Kenyan exports will continue even after the UK’s planned departure from the European Union in 2019.
In his final remarks Kenyatta urged British investors to set up shop in Kenya since the country is rich with opportunities.
“Investors should look at opportunities with our Big Four Program, they are indeed immense and considering the returns from markets such as ours, any investment here is guaranteed to benefit both the investors and ourselves,” said the President.
On her part, the British Premier who was delighted to be in the country, expressed confidence that the renewed partnership between Kenya and the UK will unlock incredible potential of the next generation to benefit both countries.
“Kenya is a country of huge opportunity in a continent of dynamic young people who have the potential to play a transformative role in driving Africa’s growth in the years ahead,” said the British Prime Minister.
“Together we will make sure the next generation of energetic, ambitious Kenyans can get good jobs so that they can contribute to Kenya and its long-term prosperity. That is not just good for Kenya it is good for the UK too.”
Consequently, May revealed that the United Kingdom will support Kenya in its fight against terrorism which according to May is a common problem for the UK as well.
“We have signed a new compact that will see us expand our joint work on security even further. The UK is no longer just training our own military in Kenya but training with Kenyans to promote stability in East Africa and beyond,” said May.
“The UK continues to support the brave Kenyan soldiers fighting Al Shabaab militants and I will announce a new package of funding to support the African Union’s mission in Somalia. We are leading international efforts to ensure AMISOM has the funding it needs to support its vital battle against terror,” she concluded.
