British High Commission Hosts Birthday Bash for King Charles III
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-14)

The British High Commission host the King’s Birthday Party in Nairobi.

- The British High Commission hosted a celebration of UK-Kenya cultural links on 13 November.
- The King’s Birthday Party showcased Kenyan designers, artists and musicians in the year of the British Council’s UK-Kenya Season.
- Guest of Honour Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and British Chargé d’Affaires Dr Ed Barnett spoke of the progress already made since the launch of the new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership.
On 13 November, over 1000 guests gathered at the British High Commissioner’s Residence to celebrate The King’s Birthday Party. Taking place during the British Council’s UK-Kenya Season, the event brought together members of the Kenyan Government, diplomats, the business community and creatives including Kenyan musicians and designers.

Speaking at the event, Chargé d’Affaires Dr Ed Barnett, said:

This year’s King’s Birthday is celebrating the best of what both Kenya and the UK contribute to arts, culture and education, exploring themes of innovation, sustainability, identity and the links between technology and heritage. It is part of a UK-Kenya season that has been led by our fantastic colleagues at the British Council.

Having had the pleasure of speaking to some of our partners about their work, I am reminded that the returns on investing in our young people are exponential, measured not just in jobs, but in new perspectives and shared understanding. By placing the voices of young people at the centre, and allowing them to shape their own future, we unlock the very potential required to address global challenges and build a more sustainable future.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, emphasised the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, which is already delivering real benefits for Kenyan and British people, saying:

The strong bond of friendship between Kenya and the UK is one of historical ties founded on mutual respect and common aspirations. Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations over six decades ago, our collaboration continues to thrive, reflecting our shared values and commitment to progress across mutually beneficial sectors, including trade and investment, ICT, health, energy, infrastructure, climate action, and peace and security.

Nothing exemplifies the strengthening of Kenya-UK relations than the signing of the renewed Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership by the leaders of our two countries in July 2025, in London, UK. The Partnership framework sets out key priorities over the next five years under four pillars: Trade, Investment and Green Growth; Climate and Nature; Science and Technology; Security and Stability.

Guests enjoyed an exhibition of work by Kenyan designers, including Kisero Leather, Sevaria and Yoshita 1967. Entertainment was provided by Kenyan artists Coster Ojwang, Zaituni Wambui and British-Ghanaian DJ Jeremiah Asiamah.

The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of major partners AALTO, Haleon and Braeburn Schools.

Background for editors:

For information on UK activity in Kenya, follow UK in Kenya on X (https://www.x.com/UKinKenya), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BHCNairobi/?ref=hl) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ukinkenya/?hl=en), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-high-commission-nairobi/).

Further detail on the Strategic Partnership can be found in the joint statement from PCS Musalia Mudavadi and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy: Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership: Joint Statement - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/kenya-uk-strategic-partnership-joint-statement)

More information about the British Council’s UK-Kenya Season: UK/Kenya Season 2025 British Council (https://www.britishcouncil.org/east-africa-arts/uk-kenya-season-2025)