Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi cuts cake to mark King Charles III’s birthday at the High Commissioner’s Residence, November 13, 2025. /UK EMBASSY
Arts and culture took centre stage in Nairobi on Thursday as the British High Commission marked King Charles III’s birthday with a vibrant celebration of Kenya-UK creativity and the growing partnership between the two nations.
More than 1,000 guests gathered at the High Commissioner’s Residence for an evening that blended fashion, music, design and diplomacy, reflecting the deepening cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
Among the distinguished guests present were Prime Cabinet Secretary and Diaspora and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Peoples' Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and Trade CS Lee Njiru. 
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka arrives for King Charles III’s birthday at the High Commissioner’s Residence, November 13, 2025/HANDOUT
Prime CS Mudavadi toasts during the birthday party
The event was part of the British Council’s UK/Kenya Season 2025, a programme running from May to November to showcase creativity, innovation and cultural exchange across architecture, fashion, literature, music, film, and technology.
“This year’s celebration highlights the best of what Kenya and the UK contribute to arts, culture and education. Investing in young people unlocks the potential needed to address global challenges and build a sustainable future,” said Chargé d’Affaires Ed Barnett.
A music band entertains guests during the King's birthday party
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, with other invited guests, during King Charles III’s birthday at the High Commissioner’s Residence, November 13, 2025. /HANDOUT
Guests enjoy themselves during the King's birthday party
Mudavadi emphasised that the event reflected the progress of the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership 2025-2030, signed in London in July.
He said the partnership, which focuses on trade and investment, climate action, science and technology, and security, is already delivering tangible benefits for both countries.
“The bond between Kenya and the UK is built on shared values and aspirations. Our collaboration continues to thrive, creating opportunities for jobs, innovation and sustainable growth,” Mudavadi said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi in a jovial mood during King Charles III’s birthday at the High Commissioner’s Residence, November 13, 2025. /HANDOUTThe strategic partnership seeks to strengthen trade and investment, with current UK-Kenya trade valued at Sh218 billion.
"UK companies are among the largest employers in Kenya. The partnership will see Lloyd’s of London enter the Nairobi insurance market as a gateway to the East Africa Market valued up to Sh88billion," Mudavadi and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a joint statement during the signing of the partnership in London on July 2.
"Over the next five years, Kenya and the UK will deliver on high-value investment deals of mutual benefit to both economies," they added.
Key projects under the agreement include Nairobi Railway City, a Sh26 billion development expected to generate up to 10,000 jobs, and Lloyd’s of London entering Nairobi as a gateway to the East African insurance market valued at Sh88 billion.
Both governments aim to double trade by 2030 and explore a Digital Trading Agreement to boost financial services, technology, and defence cooperation.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and PLP leader Martha Karua, with other invited guests, during King Charles III’s birthday at the High Commissioner’s Residence, November 13, 2025. /HANDOUT
On climate and nature, the partnership will mobilise at least Sh35 billion to support adaptation initiatives and green energy transitions, helping both countries meet global temperature-reduction goals.
In science and technology, collaboration will focus on research, innovation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to drive inclusive growth and job creation.
Security cooperation remains a priority, with both governments working together to tackle terrorism, cyber threats, illicit finance, and irregular migration under the renewed UK-Kenya Security Compact.
The birthday fête also celebrated Kenyan creativity, featuring exhibitions by designers Kisero Leather, Sevaria, and Yoshita 1967, and performances by musicians Coster Ojwang, Zaituri Wambui, and British-Ghanaian DJ Jeremiah Asiamah.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP leader Martha Karua and Trade CS Lee Njiru, with other invited guests, during King Charles III’s birthday at the High Commissioner’s Residence, November 13, 2025. /HANDOUT
The event demonstrated how cultural exchange continues to shape modern diplomacy, blending soft power with tangible opportunities for collaboration.
The UK/Kenya Season 2025 aims to deepen connections further by fostering partnerships among artists, cultural organisations, educators, and innovators from both countries.
With a focus on youth voice, technology, climate and heritage, the season creates platforms for dialogue, collaboration and new creative ventures.
A creative entertains guests during the King's birthday party
A model showcasing a fashion design during the King's birthday party
Prime CS Mudavadi admires a fashion design
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi and Trade CS during the party
Thanks to partners AALTO, Haleon and Braeburn Schools, the King’s Birthday Party was not only a celebration but also a reminder that diplomacy and cultural exchange thrive when rooted in people-to-people connections, with arts and culture firmly at the heart of Kenya-UK relations.
"As we celebrate this special occasion, may the friendship between Kenya and the United Kingdom continue to flourish, grounded in mutual respect, partnership, and a shared vision for a just and sustainable world," Kalonzo said.
"On my own behalf, I extend my warm congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty and to the people of the United Kingdom."
