The Government of Kenya has reiterated its commitment in delivering the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (THE BETA PLAN) to unlock economic opportunities, attract investments and improve livelihoods for all Kenyans through the signing of the Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on January 14, 2025.
This transformative agreement is the first of its kind between the UAE and a mainland African nation, cementing Kenya’s position as the gateway to East and Southern Africa while enhancing trade, investment and technological cooperation.
This commitment by the government has seen Kenya emerge as a global leader in startup funding, attracting $638 million in 2024, representing 29 percent of Africa’s total startup funding, according to The Big Deal Africa.
Further, this surge is underpinned by innovative government initiatives such as the Digital Superhighway program, under THE BETA PLAN, aimed at connecting every corner of the country through a Sh53 billion fund from World Bank set aside for the construction of 100,000 kilometers of broadband fiber optic infrastructure and the proposed Startup Act, which aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking in Nairobi during a media briefing, the Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura stated that the CEPA will expand access to UAE markets for Kenyan goods, including agricultural exports such as meat, fruits, vegetables and flowers, which support millions of Kenyan farmers, thereby boosting trade and livelihoods.
“For instance, in 2023, Kenya exported Sh9.9 billion worth of meat and Sh10.8 billion in fruits and vegetables to the UAE,” he exemplified, insisting that this agreement is expected to double these figures by eliminating trade barriers and simplifying customs processes.
On Job Creation and Innovation as Kenya’s startup ecosystem captures 32 percent of Africa’s funding in the first half of 2024, the Government Spokesperson mentioned that this influx of capital is fueling job creation and driving innovation across sectors like fintech, climate tech, and digital services, addressing local challenges while creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Additionally, he pointed out that the Jobs Majuu Initiative, which connects skilled Kenyans to employment opportunities abroad, complements this effort by providing an international platform for Kenyan professionals and ensuring they benefit from global networks and investments.
He at the same time said that the CEPA goes beyond trade in goods, unlocking new markets for Kenyan service providers in education, transport, construction, and ICT. It also paves the way for technology transfer and collaboration, positioning Kenyan businesses to compete globally.
Further, Dr. Mwaura highlighted that the CEPA provides the UAE with investment opportunities in critical sectors like energy, water, health, and ICT, aligning with Kenya’s strategy to reduce borrowing while fostering public-private partnerships and foreign direct investments.
“Both nations have also committed to promoting clean technologies and environmentally responsible practices, ensuring that economic growth is achieved sustainably and benefits future generations,” noted Dr. Mwaura.
The Government Spokesperson maintained that through the BETA, Kenya is positioning itself as a global trade partner, offering premium products and services while embracing innovation and sustainable development.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investors, innovators, and businesses to thrive, ensuring that these achievements translate into meaningful benefits for ordinary Kenyans.
By Michael Omondi
