Kenya welcomes Keir Starmer's election as new UK PM

Britain's incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer and leader of the Labour Party, and his wife Victoria enter 10 Downing Street in London on July 5, 2024, a day after Britain held a general election. [AFP]

Kenya is ready to foster its continued relations with the United Kingdom following the appointment of  Keir Starmer as the new Prime Minister.

On his official X account, President William Ruto welcomed Starmer’s election, terming it a reflection of Britain’s need for progressive politics.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Kenya, I wish to convey my utmost congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on the overwhelming support garnered by the Labour Party at the just concluded elections and his subsequent appointment as Prime Minister of the UK.”

‘His election is testimony to the deep yearning of the citizens of the United Kingdom for progressive politics and policies embodied by the Labour Party,” said Ruto.

The Head of State added that he is ready to work with Starmer to build ties between the two countries in various areas including trade, defence, and political cooperation.

Kenya and the UK share a history dating as far back as when the East African nation gained its independence.

Starmer, the new PM replaces Rishi Sunak, after his Labour Party garnered more than the required seats to unseat Conservatives in the just-ended Election.

Other regional and global leaders to congratulate Starmer include US President Joe Biden, Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau, Ukraine President Zelensky, and African Heads of State.