Why British Financial and Insurance Companies Want to Set Up Offices in Kenya

Kenya, August 24, 2026 - British financial and insurance companies have expressed interest in setting up offices in Kenya as they seek to use the country as a gateway to the wider African market, the Ministry of Trade has said.


 Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui confirmed the development on Monday after holding talks with British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh to discuss opportunities for attracting major financial and insurance companies from the United Kingdom to Kenya.

Kinyanjui is optimistic that setting up bases in the country will be pivotal in creating more job opportunities and economic growth, even as the country continues to attract more foreign investment across key sectors.

Kenya is emerging as the region’s economic powerhouse, attracting investment across sectors, including fintech. Our country also has a vibrant start-up ecosystem, driven largely by young innovators who need support to scale their ideas into successful enterprises,” the CS stated.

 The CS further recognised the UK’s support for Kenyan start-ups through various initiatives such as sponsoring innovators to attend key international engagements to refine their potential.

“I welcome the UK’s support for Kenyan start-ups, including sponsoring promising innovators to attend London Tech Week, where they connect with global technology leaders and potential investors.”

 The two countries also committed to reinforce their partnerships in other sectors such as agriculture even as the country seeks to increase its exports of tea, coffee and horticultural produce to the UK market.

The development comes at a time when European countries are increasingly seeking to deepen their economic ties with Kenya and expand investments in the country.

 Just three weeks ago, the ministry confirmed that another German delegation is set to visit Kenya in September to explore investment opportunities in the country’s textile and horticulture sectors.

 The ministry said that the delegation will consist of  German supermarket chains and wholesalers, who will hold engagements with close to 30 Kenyan horticultural companies.

This was revealed during a meeting between the Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Nairobi, Konrad Lax, and the Trade Principal Secretary, Regina Ombam, on August 4.

The meeting focused on the Green Investment, Business and Trade (GIBT) Programme, a flagship EU–Kenya trade and investment initiative.