By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
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Kenya, 2 November 2026 - In a push to strengthen UK-Kenya relations and build connections on the coast, the British High Commission team visited Mombasa to meet local people, businesses and leaders.
In a statement on Monday, the High Commission described the two-day “pop-up” visit as highly fulfilling. The team met Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, young leaders, faith leaders and key partners in the UK-Kenya relationship.
During the visit, High Commissioner Matt Baugh and Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett toured several UK-supported projects, including Swahilipot Hub, Milly Glass Works and the Counter Terrorism Bureau. The projects highlight the UK’s partnership with local organisations to advance youth empowerment, economic growth, innovation and security in the region.
At an Open House at Tononoka Hall, members of the public met the British High Commission team, learned about available opportunities and shared their ideas. Baugh also engaged with popular Mombasa food influencers, including Qamili Dave and Shaheed Ali, whose content showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture.
The High Commission said the UK-Kenya relationship is built across the country, not just in Nairobi. It cited the visit and other activities elsewhere in Kenya, including the BATUK training camp in Laikipia and medical assistance in the area.
“One year on from the launch of the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, the two [countries] continue to build a [better] future together to create jobs, improve security in the region and support inclusive growth that reaches everyone,” part of the statement read.
In 2026, Kenya-UK trade passed KSh 340 billion (£2 billion) for the first time. Kenyan businesses have tariff-free access to the UK market, and the two countries cooperate on security, climate and innovation.
Mombasa is Kenya’s gateway for trade, with port facilities and an airport. It is also a centre of the country’s blue economy and a hub for regional security.
The Port of Mombasa handles about 95 per cent of Kenya’s international trade. UK support through TradeMark Africa has helped make trade there faster, safer and more predictable. Cargo volumes have risen by almost a third in four years, while the journey from Mombasa to Kampala has been cut from 18 days to four.
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The UK has invested more than KSh 120 million in an aquaculture hub at Mtwapa, the town that marks the border between Mombasa and Kilifi. UK support is also helping fishing communities in Kilifi restore marine habitats and livelihoods.
Security was another important focus of the visit. The UK supports the Counter Terrorism Bureau in Mombasa and trains Kenya’s marines, building on more than 20 years of cooperation between the two countries to tackle terrorism.
During a youth roundtable, young leaders from across the region discussed the opportunities and challenges facing their communities and shared locally led solutions already driving change. Baugh and his team were impressed by the free-flowing ideas.
Baugh said he was struck by the warm welcome in the coastal town.
“The warmth and generosity I experienced in Mombasa was truly remarkable. Our aim in bringing the British High Commission to the coast was simple: to be more accessible, to listen, and to connect directly with the people, businesses and communities that are helping to shape Kenya’s future,” he said.
He added that they had held important conversations on everything from education, trade and investment to culture, conservation and the blue economy. The partnership, he said, is not only between governments but between people, strengthened by shared values, opportunities and friendships that continue to bring the two countries closer together.
Kenya was a British colony until it gained independence in 1963 and became a republic in 1964.