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…As Alawuba, President Ruto meet to deepen collaboration
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, recently led a high-powered delegation on a working visit to Kenya, where he reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to accelerating investment and driving inclusive growth in the East African nation.
Alawuba and his team were received at the State House Nairobi by President William Ruto, who commended UBA for its longstanding support to Kenya’s development. The discussions focused on deepening partnerships in infrastructure financing, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and supporting Kenya’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
“Kenya holds a strategic place in Africa’s growth story, and UBA is committed to being a long-term partner in unlocking the immense potential here.
“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”, Alawuba said.
The UBA delegation included the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Africa, Sola Yomi-Ajayi, and the Managing Director/CEO of UBA Kenya, Mary Mulili. Together, they held high-level discussions with key leaders in government and the financial sector.
At a meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge, conversations centered on enhancing financial sector resilience, promoting cross-border trade through payments innovation, and reinforcing UBA’s strong capital position in Kenya. Alawuba stressed that UBA has both the financial capacity and technical expertise to support the regulator’s vision of a sound, competitive, and well-capitalised banking system.
In a landmark move, UBA pledged USD 150 million (KES 20.5 billion) towards the Government of Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitization Program, a USD 1.35 billion initiative managed by the Kenya Roads Board. The program aims to upgrade vital road networks, accelerate payments to contractors, and improve national connectivity.
“Infrastructure is the engine of trade, competitiveness and shared prosperity,” Alawuba declared. “UBA is proud to be one of the largest financiers of this program, demonstrating our unshakeable confidence in Kenya’s future.”
UBA Kenya CEO Mary Mulili added: “Our participation cements UBA’s role as a trusted ally to the Kenyan government, businesses, and communities. We are paving the way for better connectivity that empowers farmers, manufacturers, and SMEs across the country.”
The delegation also met with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, where discussions underscored the critical role of African-led enterprises in spurring job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth. Both sides agreed that robust partnerships are essential to advancing infrastructure and regional interconnectivity as foundations for shared prosperity.
“These engagements reaffirm UBA’s commitment to collaborate with governments and stakeholders in building a prosperous, united, and self-reliant Africa,” Alawuba said.
UBA’s recent activities in Kenya reflect its broader strategy of driving economic transformation across Africa. The bank is positioning Kenya as a vital hub for East Africa and as a gateway for opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
With SMEs contributing over 80 percent of Kenya’s employment, UBA is rolling out tailored financing solutions to support entrepreneurship, enhance productivity, and harness regional opportunities for inclusive growth.
