Kenyan Diaspora in UK Gains Access to Government Tenders via London Embassy

The Kenyan High Commission in London has introduced a new business engagement policy to broaden opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom.

This initiative encourages Kenyan business owners to register for potential tender applications during the 2024-2026 fiscal period. Successful applicants will have the chance to provide various services, including event management, vehicle hire, catering, and repatriation services. In a communication dated September 18, 2024, Ambassador Dr. Joseph Warui addressed the Kenyan community in the UK and lauded the significance of this program. Spearheaded by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the initiative aims to foster the growth of Kenyan businesses in the UK.

Interested parties can access registration documents from www.mfa.go.ke and submit completed forms to scm@diaspora.go.ke by October 6, 2024. Despite a decline in the Kenyan population in the UK from 23,000 in 2008 to approximately 15,000 in 2020, the community remains active and entrepreneurial. This new policy offers a structured approach for Kenyan entrepreneurs to engage with the UK market by leveraging their unique cultural and business insights. The Kenyan diaspora in the UK has played a crucial role in strengthening community and business ties.

A significant development in this regard is the recent establishment of the Kenya Communities and Businesses Alliance (KCBA) on September 3, 2024. Led by diaspora leaders Ms. Alice Maina and Ms. Maureen Francis, the KCBA aims to unify Kenyan communities and businesses across the UK, improve government service delivery, and create a robust network among Kenyan enterprises. Ambassador Warui, drawing from his extensive experience in the UK, expresses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Kenyan diaspora members. He reaffirms the Kenyan government's commitment to addressing key issues such as citizenship complications and business-related obstacles.

The KCBA's formation is particularly timely, given the increasing recognition of the economic contributions made by the Kenyan diaspora. In 2023, remittances from Kenyans abroad reached a record $3.7 billion, playing a vital role in supporting families, funding education, and fostering investments in Kenya. Further emphasising the growing economic ties between Kenya and the UK is the upcoming UK-Kenya Investment Forum, scheduled for October 1-3, 2024. This three-day event will bring together government officials and private sector stakeholders from both nations to explore trade and investment opportunities.

Key focus areas include health, real estate, manufacturing, education, technology, import and export, tourism, and finance. The forum aims to enhance bilateral trade, which stood at Sh 237 billion (£1.4 billion) in the year leading up to March 2024.