NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 13 — The United Kingdom and Kenya have begun negotiations on a landmark Digital Trade Agreement aimed at expanding cross-border digital commerce, reducing barriers for businesses and cementing Kenya’s position as Africa’s “Silicon Savannah,” British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh has revealed.

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking during an interview on The Capital in the Morning radio show, Baugh said the proposed agreement represents the next phase of the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership signed in July 2025, reflecting a shift from traditional trade to a technology-driven economic relationship.

“We’re beginning negotiations on a Digital Trade Agreement that will make it easier for businesses to operate across both markets and further strengthen Kenya’s position as the Silicon Savannah,” Baugh said.

The proposed pact is expected to simplify digital trade, support innovation and improve market access for businesses operating in both countries, while building on the broader Strategic Partnership between President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to the High Commissioner, the partnership has already delivered significant economic gains in its first year, with bilateral trade surpassing Sh340 billion (£2 billion) for the first time.

British companies now employ approximately 250,000 Kenyans, while ongoing projects are expected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Baugh said digital transformation has become one of the defining pillars of the relationship, alongside trade, infrastructure, security and climate action.

As part of that effort, the UK is supporting digital literacy and digital access programmes expected to benefit more than 200,000 people and businesses, with particular emphasis on women-led enterprises and persons with disabilities.

The High Commissioner said the broader economic partnership is already delivering major investments across the country.

Among the flagship initiatives is a first-of-its-kind infrastructure investment fund, recently launched at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, to finance roads, energy, and digital infrastructure.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya