President William Ruto and French leader Emmanuel Macron have announced investment and cooperation agreements covering transport, energy, technology, education and trade ahead of the Africa-France Summit in Nairobi.
The two presidents spoke after bilateral talks at State House on Sunday, where Kenya officially welcomed delegates for the summit taking place from May 11 to 12. The meeting marks the first time in over 50 years that the Africa-France Summit is being held outside France or a French-speaking African nation.
During the discussions, Kenya and France signed 11 agreements aimed at strengthening economic ties and supporting development projects in both countries.
One of the biggest projects unveiled is the upgrade of Nairobi’s commuter railway system valued at 83 million euros (about Sh12.5 billion). The modernisation programme will improve rail connections between Nairobi and nearby towns such as Syokimau, Embakasi, Ruiru and Kikuyu. The ongoing Riruta-Ngong railway line is also expected to ease transport within the capital region.
The two governments also agreed to partner in the development of logistics and port infrastructure through a joint venture worth around $800 million (Sh104 billion).
In the energy sector, Kenya and France committed to expanding the Kipeto wind power project by an extra 100 megawatts at a cost of $250 million (Sh32.5 billion). They also agreed to work together on the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Kenya.
Agriculture featured prominently in the talks, with both countries signing an agreement to promote Kenyan speciality teas, including premium purple tea varieties, in French markets. The deal is expected to create new business opportunities for farmers and exporters.
On technology, the leaders discussed cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital services and infrastructure. President Ruto said Kenya continues to position itself as a regional technology hub through projects such as Konza Technopolis and the Digital Superhighway initiative.
The agreements also covered fisheries, the blue economy, peaceful nuclear energy use, climate services and financing for the raising of Masinga Dam.
Kenya and France further pledged to improve direct air connectivity to support trade, tourism and cargo exports including flowers, seafood and fresh produce to Europe. According to Ruto, better flight connections would also help strengthen the operations of Kenya Airways.
Health cooperation was another focus area, with the two nations agreeing to strengthen collaboration in disease surveillance, laboratory systems and digital health technologies to improve preparedness for future outbreaks.
In education, the leaders confirmed progress on the University of Nairobi Engineering and Science Complex project valued at 35 million euros (Sh5.6 billion). The programme is expected to improve engineering and technical training through modern laboratories and equipment for universities across Kenya.
The two presidents also called for stronger global cooperation on climate action, fair financing for developing countries and reforms to international financial systems.
President Ruto described the summit as an important step towards building a more practical and equal partnership between Africa and France focused on innovation, investment and long-term growth.
