Kenya’s development agenda gets lift with UBA’s Sh19.4 billion infrastructure investment

By Alfred Onyango
Wednesday, November 12, 2025

With a Sh19.4 billion pledge, UBA aims to modernise Kenya’s transport, energy, and infrastructure sectors while fostering regional trade and supporting youth and entrepreneurial growth.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has strengthened its investment presence in Kenya with a commitment of $150 million (Sh19.4 billion) towards infrastructure development projects.

The funds will support the $1 billion (Sh129.23 billion) Road Infrastructure Securitisation Programme, which aims to speed up transport modernisation and boost regional trade integration.

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The announcement was made during UBA Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu’s development tour in Nairobi, underscoring the bank’s growing role in Kenya’s infrastructure and economic transformation agenda.

Elumelu held high-level talks with President William Ruto to explore collaboration in key sectors such as road construction, energy, real estate, hospitality, and banking. The discussions centred on deepening UBA’s partnership with Kenya to drive investment and strengthen regional connectivity.

President Ruto praised the bank’s commitment, saying it demonstrated confidence in Kenya’s development vision.

“We value institutions like UBA that understand Africa’s development journey and share our vision for sustainable growth,” Ruto said.

Kenya’s broader plans

He added that the partnership aligns with Kenya’s broader plans to modernise transport networks, expand airport and railway infrastructure, and attract new investments in water and food security.

Ruto further highlighted Kenya’s goal to generate an additional 10,000 megawatts of power over the next seven years—an investment of $15 billion (Sh1.9 trillion)—to achieve energy independence and spur industrialisation.

“Through collaboration and innovation, we will drive the transformation that powers Kenya’s future.”

Elumelu reaffirmed UBA’s long-term commitment to Kenya’s economic priorities.

“UBA is not just a bank; we are a development partner,” Elumelu said.

He noted that Kenya’s youthful population and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem make it one of Africa’s most attractive markets for investment. The bank, he added, plans to expand its investments in energy, hospitality, real estate, and banking.

UBA continues to position itself as a key facilitator of intra-African trade, mobilising global capital for local opportunities. Through initiatives like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the bank also supports women and youth entrepreneurs—efforts that align closely with Kenya’s bottom-up economic model.