United Bank for Africa (UBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening investment and driving inclusive growth in Kenya and the wider East African region, following a high-level visit led by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba.
During the working visit on Tuesday, Alawuba and his delegation were received at State House Nairobi by President William Ruto, who commended UBA for its continued support to Kenya’s development agenda.
The two parties held discussions centred on expanding partnerships in key sectors including infrastructure development, financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and supporting Kenya’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
“Kenya holds a strategic place in East Africa and the entire continent’s growth story. UBA is committed to being a long-term partner in unlocking the immense potential here,” said Alawuba.
“From financing critical infrastructure to empowering SMEs that drive job creation, our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that connect markets, foster trade, and improve lives in East Africa.”
The UBA delegation included Sola Yomi-Ajayi, Executive Director and CEO of UBA Africa, and Mary Mulili, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Kenya. The team also engaged with other key figures in Kenya’s financial and government sectors, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge.
Their discussions with the central bank focused on enhancing the resilience of Kenya’s financial sector and promoting cross-border trade through payment innovations across the region.
Alawuba affirmed that UBA is well-positioned—with the financial strength and expertise—to support regulatory efforts to build a sound, well-capitalised, and competitive banking system in Kenya and across East and Southern Africa.
In a landmark move, UBA pledged USD 150 million towards Kenya’s USD 1.35 billion Roads Levy Securitization Program, an initiative led by the Kenya Roads Board. The commitment was announced during a meeting with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Mr. Davis Chirchir.
The program is designed to upgrade critical national road infrastructure, facilitate quicker payments to contractors, and enhance regional connectivity.
“Infrastructure is the engine of trade, competitiveness, and shared prosperity,” said Alawuba. “UBA is proud to be one of the largest financiers of this program, demonstrating our unshakeable confidence in the region’s future.”
Mary Mulili, CEO of UBA Kenya, reiterated the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth:
“Our participation cements UBA’s role as a trusted ally to the Kenyan government, businesses, and communities across East and Southern Africa. We are paving the way for better connectivity that empowers farmers, manufacturers, and SMEs throughout the region.”
Alawuba and the delegation also held talks with Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, H.E. Musalia Mudavadi. The two sides highlighted the critical role of African-led enterprises in job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth. The need for strong public-private partnerships to advance quality infrastructure and regional interconnectivity was also emphasised.
“These engagements reaffirm UBA’s commitment to working with governments and key stakeholders to build a prosperous, united, and self-reliant Africa,” Alawuba said.
The visit aligns with UBA’s broader strategy of supporting economic transformation across the continent and positioning Kenya as a gateway for trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
With SMEs accounting for over 80% of employment in Kenya, UBA is rolling out tailored financing products to support entrepreneurs, drive innovation, and foster economic inclusion.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading pan-African financial institution operating in 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The bank serves over 45 million customers globally and employs more than 25,000 people across its network.