United Bank for Africa has pledged $150m (KES 20.5bn) to the Government of Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitisation Programme, a $1.35bn initiative spearheaded by the Kenya Roads Board, which aims to upgrade critical road infrastructure, accelerate payments to contractors, and boost national connectivity.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA Plc, Oliver Alawuba, led a high-powered delegation on a working visit to the Kenyan President and other top government functionaries in the country to reaffirm the bank’s commitment to accelerating investment and supporting inclusive growth in the country.

According to a statement from the bank, the Kenyan President, William Ruto, who received Alawuba and his team at the State House in Nairobi, commended the bank for its support to the country over the years.

Discussions revolved around how UBA will continue to partner with the country towards supporting the advancement of infrastructure development, financing small and medium-sized enterprises, and supporting its long-term economic transformation agenda.

During the meeting, 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.”

Together with the UBA delegation, which included the Executive Director/CEO, Sola Yomi-Ajayi, UBA Africa, and Managing Director/CEO of UBA Kenya, Mary Mulilu, Alawuba also held other high-level discussions with other key leaders in government and the financial sector in the country.

He met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge, where discussions centred on strengthening financial sector resilience, enhancing cross-border trade through payments innovation, and reinforcing UBA’s strong capital position in Kenya.

In a landmark announcement, Alawuba said, “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.”

The Managing Director/CEO of UBA Kenya, 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.”