
British MP Kate Osamor
- 195 views
The British High Commission in Nairobi has announced the appointment of Kate Osamor as the new Trade Envoy to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
This initiative reflects the UK's commitment to nurturing trade and investment opportunities that can drive economic growth and job creation within the region. Osamor, a Member of Parliament for Edmonton and Winchmore Hill representing the Labour and Co-operative Party, is among 32 selected trade envoys tasked with overseeing 79 markets across six continents.
These envoys, chosen for their relevant expertise, assume voluntary, unpaid roles aimed at fostering economic cooperation and opening new markets for British enterprises. Expressing her enthusiasm for the appointment, Osamor emphasizes the importance of collaboration in enhancing trade relations.
"I am thrilled to announce my appointment as the trade envoy to East Africa. I look forward to working closely with our partners to strengthen our ties. Together, we can enhance trade, foster collaboration, and create opportunities for shared prosperity," she states.
UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds reiterates the vital role of these appointments in fostering economic growth, saying "Boosting trade and investment is crucial for economic growth. That's why I've launched a new team of trade envoys. They will use their experience, expertise, and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth."
Recent data from a UK trade and investment report highlights that Kenya ranks as the UK's joint 72nd largest trading partner in the four quarters leading to the end of Q3 2024, contributing 0.1% to the total UK trade. The trade volume between the UK and Kenya reached £1.7 billion (approximately Sh.273.1 billion) in 2024, marking an 8% increase over the previous year.
This recent appointment, along with the strategic efforts by the team of trade envoys, signals a revitalized focus on enhancing economic partnerships.
Leveraging their expertise, the envoys aim to create pathways for mutual prosperity and deepen the UK's trade relationships worldwide. As Osamor and her fellow trade envoys embark on this mission, the prospects for improved economic collaboration and growth between the UK and East Africa appear promising.