UBA Commits $150m to Boost Kenya’s Roads, Strengthen Economic Ties
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has pledged a massive $150 million (KES 20.5 billion) to Kenya’s ambitious road infrastructure program, underscoring its growing role as a key development partner in East Africa.
The announcement came during a high-level visit to Nairobi, where UBA Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, led a powerful delegation to meet President William Ruto and other top government and financial leaders.
President Ruto welcomed UBA’s commitment, hailing the bank’s longstanding contribution to Kenya’s development and stressing the importance of private sector partnerships in advancing his government’s economic transformation agenda.
Alawuba reaffirmed UBA’s determination to be a long-term ally in Kenya’s growth story, noting that the bank’s strategy extends beyond infrastructure to also include financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), job creation, and cross-border trade support.
“Kenya holds a strategic place in Africa’s growth story,” Alawuba said. “From financing critical infrastructure to empowering SMEs, UBA’s mission is to connect markets, foster trade, and deliver sustainable solutions that improve lives.”
The UBA chief was joined by Sola Yomi-Ajayi, Executive Director/CEO of UBA Africa, and Mary Mulili, CEO of UBA Kenya. Together, they engaged in wide-ranging talks with government officials, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
At a meeting with Central Bank of Kenya Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge, discussions focused on strengthening financial sector resilience, advancing payments innovation for cross-border trade, and ensuring Kenya’s banking system remains well-capitalised and globally competitive.
The highlight of the visit was UBA’s pledge of $150 million to Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitization Program, a $1.35 billion initiative managed by the Kenya Roads Board. The project seeks to upgrade critical highways, fast-track contractor payments, and expand national connectivity.
“Infrastructure is the engine of trade, competitiveness and shared prosperity,” Alawuba declared. “By being one of the largest financiers of this program, UBA is demonstrating unshakeable confidence in Kenya’s future.”
UBA Kenya CEO Mary Mulili described the commitment as a game-changer for businesses and communities: “Better roads mean farmers, manufacturers, and SMEs can connect to markets faster, boosting productivity and growth across the country.”
The delegation also held talks with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, where both sides emphasised the need for African-led enterprises to drive innovation, job creation, and regional integration under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Through these engagements, UBA positioned itself as a catalyst for Kenya’s long-term development, anchoring its East African strategy on infrastructure financing, SME empowerment, and trade facilitation. As Alawuba put it: “These partnerships reflect UBA’s vision of a prosperous, united, and self-reliant Africa.”
