United Bank for Africa Plc has pledged $150 million (KES 20.5 billion) to support the Government of Kenya’s $1.35 billion Roads Levy Securitisation Programme, underscoring the pan-African lender’s commitment to financing key infrastructure and promoting inclusive growth across the continent.

The commitment was announced during a working visit to Nairobi by UBA Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Oliver Alawuba, who led a senior delegation and held discussions with President William Ruto and other top government officials.

At State House, President Ruto welcomed the UBA team, praising the bank’s long-standing partnership with Kenya and expressing support for expanded collaboration on road infrastructure development, strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises, and advancing the country’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 officially confirmed in a meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir. Led by the Kenya Roads Board, the Roads Levy Securitisation Programme is designed to modernise critical road networks, speed up contractor payments, and enhance 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 noted.

Accompanied by UBA Africa Executive Director/CEO Sola Yomi-Ajayi and UBA Kenya Managing Director/CEO Mary Mulili, Alawuba also held strategic talks with Central Bank of Kenya Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge.

Discussions focused on strengthening financial sector resilience, boosting cross-border trade through payments innovation, and reinforcing UBA’s robust capital position in Kenya.

“UBA has the financial capacity and expertise to support the regulator’s agenda for a sound, well-capitalised, and competitive banking system,” he noted.

UBA said its engagements in Kenya reflect the bank’s broader strategy to drive economic transformation across Africa.

The lender emphasized Kenya’s strategic role as an East African hub and a gateway to opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Noting that SMEs account for more than 80% of employment in Kenya, UBA is also introducing tailored financing solutions to support entrepreneurship and unlock growth opportunities across key sectors.