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United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has announced a $150 million (KES 20.5 billion) commitment to Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitisation Programme, a $1.35 billion initiative designed by the Kenya Roads Board to upgrade critical road infrastructure, accelerate payments to contractors, and enhance national connectivity.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA Plc, Oliver Alawuba, led a high-level delegation on a working visit to Kenya where he met with President William Ruto and senior government officials to reaffirm the bank’s commitment to supporting investment and inclusive growth in the East African nation.
In a statement released by the bank, President Ruto commended UBA for its long-standing support to Kenya’s economy, describing the new commitment as a major boost to the country’s infrastructure development drive.
The discussions at State House, Nairobi, focused on ways UBA will continue to partner with the Kenyan government in advancing infrastructure development, financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and contributing to Kenya’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
Speaking during the visit, Alawuba highlighted Kenya’s strategic role in Africa’s development journey, stressing UBA’s determination to remain a long-term partner. “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,” he said.
The UBA delegation included Executive Director/CEO, UBA Africa, Sola Yomi-Ajayi, and Managing Director/CEO of UBA Kenya, Mary Mulili. Together, they held strategic meetings with top leaders in government and the financial sector, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge. Discussions at the central bank focused on strengthening financial sector resilience, promoting cross-border trade through payment innovations, and consolidating UBA’s strong capital position in Kenya.
In a landmark declaration, Alawuba described infrastructure as the engine of competitiveness and shared prosperity across Africa. “UBA is proud to be one of the largest financiers of this programme, demonstrating our unshakeable confidence in Kenya’s future,” he said.
On her part, UBA Kenya’s Managing Director, Mary Mulili, emphasised the direct impact of the project on ordinary citizens. “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,” she noted.
Analysts say UBA’s participation in the programme underlines the growing role of African banks in financing infrastructure projects once dominated by global lenders. It also highlights the lender’s strategy of deepening its presence across African markets by focusing on development-oriented investments that drive inclusive growth.
The Roads Levy Securitisation Programme is one of the Kenyan government’s flagship projects, designed to unlock financing for road upgrades, improve logistics efficiency, and reduce costs for businesses. By contributing significantly to the programme, UBA is not only supporting Kenya’s infrastructure ambitions but also strengthening regional trade integration, as improved connectivity is expected to facilitate commerce across the East African Community.
With this commitment, UBA reinforces its pan-African vision of financing transformative projects, empowering SMEs, and supporting sustainable growth across the continent.
