This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
UK to Support Kenya's Economic Recovery ¶
Friday, June 19, 2020
Emma Wade-Smith, the British Trade Commissioner for Africa, recently made a virtual visit to Kenya to discuss how the UK and Kenya are working together to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and shape a strong economic recovery.
During her visit, Wade-Smith met with government officials and business leaders to discuss the importance of innovation and resilience in responding to the challenges and emerging opportunities created by the pandemic.
She also provided an update to Kenya's key exporters on UK trade policy and met with the ministries of the East Africa Community and Energy to discuss the importance of establishing clarity for business and creating a business environment that enables companies to sustain and create jobs.
Wade-Smith emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in Kenya's economic wellbeing and explained how the UK and Kenyan governments are working together to minimize the economic damage caused by Covid-19.
The UK is providing support to Kenya's Business Situation Room, which is helping to support manufacturers and SMEs through a business hotline and developing procedures to enable companies to reopen safely.
Wade-Smith also highlighted the inspiring work being done by British investors and employers in Kenya, including Azuri's provision of off-grid solar energy, Waitrose's partnership with Farm Africa, and Unilever's Covid-19 awareness and hygiene campaign.
The UK is committed to ensuring trade continuity between the UK and Kenya and is working hard to secure a long-term trade agreement with the East African Community.
Wade-Smith expressed optimism about the UK-Kenya trading and investment relationship and looked forward to their close partnership continuing as part of Kenya's longer-term Covid-19 recovery efforts.
