FCDO Development Director: Kenya

Join us as we host Leigh Stubblefield, Development Director in Kenya for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will present FCDO’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in Kenya.

Kenya has the largest, most diversified economy and the second largest population in East Africa, with around 55 million people. It also has a young, ambitious, and well-educated workforce eager to contribute to the development of the country. These factors have helped Kenya become a leader in mobile money, and information and communications technology. As “the gateway to East Africa,” Kenya plays a vital role as a transportation hub for much of sub-Saharan Africa. The country also has a key role to play in ensuring regional stability and achieving global climate goals, where it has set ambitious targets for emissions reduction and renewable energy.

Kenya has made progress in reducing poverty and improving health and education, but challenges remain, including high inequality, corruption, continued weak private sector investment and the vulnerability of the economy. Agriculture is the main source of employment but is vulnerable to climate change. Endemic corruption and weak financial controls hinder public investment and service delivery, while high levels of inequality persist, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.

FCDO currently delivers a range of programmes across the country which aim to address these challenges. The ODA budget for Kenya in the financial year 2024/2025 is £69.6M, up from £32M in the last financial year 2023/2024. Priority areas for FCDO in Kenya are: climate change and environmental sustainability, economic development and investment, women’s and girls’ empowerment, humanitarian response, and regional security and stability.

During this event, Leigh will offer us updates on the current context on the ground as well as insights into FCDO’s development strategy in the country.

BEI Introduction: 10 min

Presentation from Leigh Stubblefield, FCDO Development Director in Kenya: 15 –20 min

Q&A: 30 min