President William Ruto with UK Embassy Charge d’Affaires Ed Barnett, who delivered King Charles III's message, at the State House on December 18, 2025/PCSPresident William Ruto has received
a message of condolence from King Charles III following the death of former
Prime Minister Raila Odinga two months ago.
Delivered at State House by UK
Embassy Charge d’Affaires Ed Barnett, the King’s message expressed a deep sense
of loss and solidarity with Raila’s family and Kenyans.
“He points out that he had known the
Odinga for his steadfast leadership, willingness to build democratic consensus,
open-mindedness, and deep concern for the plight of ordinary people,” Ruto said
regarding the King’s message.
The President said the meeting with
Barnett underscored the growing strength of Kenya-UK relations.
He noted that the strategic
partnership signed last July has already boosted bilateral trade, with volumes
rising from £1.3 billion (Sh224 billion) to £2 billion (Sh345 billion).
The partnership spans trade, green
growth, science and technology, and peace and security, with expectations of
creating tens of thousands of digital jobs for Kenyans.
Barnett reaffirmed the UK’s support
for Kenya’s development agenda, particularly the establishment of the National
Infrastructure Fund.
He said Britain is prepared to provide
technical expertise to advance the initiative, which is expected to play a
pivotal role in expanding infrastructure nationwide.
One flagship project under the fund
is the Nairobi Railway City, a joint programme between Kenya and the UK.
Covering 438 acres, the project aims to transform Nairobi into a modern,
green, and vibrant transport hub capable of handling up to 30,000 passengers
per hour.
Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja recently visited London’s King’s
Cross Station to cement UK partnership for the Sh30 billion project, which is
seen as a model of sustainable urban development.
The condolence message from King Charles
comes against the backdrop of deepening ties between the two nations.
The condolence comes at a time when Kenya and the UK are deepening
cooperation under a renewed Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership 2025–2030, signed in London by Ruto and Prime
Minister Keir Starmer.
The framework is anchored on four pillars: trade and investment, green
growth and climate action, science and technology, and peace and security
Officials say the deal will unlock billions in investment and create 30,000
new digital jobs for Kenyans.
Yet
cooperation is not without challenges.
A recent
parliamentary report accused the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) of
decades of abuses, including sexual violence, environmental damage, and
improper disposal of military waste.
Lawmakers
have urged swift ratification of a new Defence Cooperation Agreement, as the
previous framework expired in 2021.
King
Charles has been personally engaged in Kenya–UK relations. During his 2023
state visit, he acknowledged colonial injustices, describing the “abhorrent and
unjustifiable acts of violence” committed under British rule.
More recently,
he sent warm Jamhuri Day wishes in December 2025, praising Kenya’s progress and
reaffirming the enduring partnership.
“I am
heartened that climate and nature remain at the forefront of our endeavours,
following the renewal of the United Kingdom–Kenya Strategic Partnership this
year,” the King said in his December 12, 2025, message.
