United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has committed $150 million (KES 20.5 billion) to the Government of Kenya’s $1.35 billion Roads Levy Securitisation Programme, reinforcing the pan-African lender’s role in financing critical infrastructure and supporting inclusive growth across the continent.
The announcement was made during a working visit to Nairobi by UBA Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who led a high-level delegation and met with President William Ruto and other senior government officials.
Receiving the team at State House, President Ruto commended UBA’s longstanding support and welcomed further collaboration on scaling road infrastructure, strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and advancing Kenya’s long-term economic transformation.
Alawuba said: “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.”
The $150 million pledge was formalised during a meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir. The Roads Levy Securitisation Programme, spearheaded by the Kenya Roads Board, aims to modernise key road networks, accelerate payments to contractors, and boost national connectivity.
“Infrastructure is the engine of trade, competitiveness, and shared prosperity. UBA is proud to be one of the largest financiers of this programme, demonstrating our unshakeable confidence in Kenya’s future,” Alawuba added.
Accompanied by UBA Africa Executive Director/CEO, Sola Yomi-Ajayi, and UBA Kenya Managing Director/CEO, Mary Mulili, Alawuba also held strategic meetings with the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge, where discussions focused on strengthening financial sector resilience, enhancing cross-border trade through payments innovation, and reinforcing UBA’s strong capital position in Kenya.
Alawuba assured: “UBA has the financial capacity and expertise to support the regulator’s agenda for a sound, well-capitalised, and competitive banking system.”
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 UBA delegation also met with Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, with talks centred on the importance of African-led enterprises in job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth. Both parties stressed the role of robust partnerships in advancing quality infrastructure and regional interconnectivity as a foundation for prosperity.
“These engagements reaffirm UBA’s commitment to collaborate with governments and stakeholders in building a prosperous, united, and self-reliant Africa,” Alawuba stated.
UBA said its engagements in Kenya align with the bank’s broader strategy to drive economic transformation across Africa. The lender highlighted Kenya’s vital role as a hub for East Africa and a gateway to opportunities enabled by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
With SMEs accounting for more than 80 per cent of Kenya’s employment, UBA is also rolling out tailored financing solutions to strengthen entrepreneurship and unlock opportunities across sectors.
Nume Ekeghe
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