NAIROBI, Kenya – The United Kingdom has named Kate Osamor as its new Trade Envoy to Kenya, a move aimed at bolstering trade and investment ties between the two nations.
The British High Commission in Nairobi announced the appointment on Monday, confirming that Osamor will also serve as the envoy to Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Osamor, a Member of Parliament from the Labour and Co-operative Party representing Edmonton and Winchmore Hill, is among 32 trade envoys appointed by the UK government to various regions worldwide.
These envoys, drawn from across the political spectrum, are selected based on their skills and experience to help unlock trade opportunities and drive economic growth.
“I am thrilled to take on this role and look forward to working closely with our partners in East Africa. Together, we can enhance trade, foster collaboration, and create opportunities for shared prosperity,” Osamor said.
Strengthening UK-East Africa Trade Relations
The UK’s Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, emphasized the importance of trade envoys in driving economic expansion.
“Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth. That’s why I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys to open up new markets, attract investment, and support British businesses,” Reynolds stated.
A trade and investment report dated January 31, 2025, reveals that Kenya ranked as the UK’s joint 72nd largest trading partner in the four quarters leading to the end of Q3 2024.
Trade between the two countries was valued at £1.7 billion (approximately Ksh.273.1 billion), reflecting an 8% increase compared to the previous year.
The Role of a Trade Envoy
Trade envoys act as intermediaries between the UK and their assigned regions, identifying investment opportunities and fostering business relationships.
The role is voluntary and unpaid but is considered vital in expanding economic cooperation.
