Kenya and France Commit to Deepen Strategic Partnership on Trade, Investment and Innovation
Kenya and France Commit to Deepen Strategic Partnership on Trade, Investment and Innovation
Nairobi, 11th November 2026
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir A. Sing’Oei, today held a meeting with the Ambassador of the French Republic to Kenya, H.E. Mr. Wadid Benaabou, during which the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the longstanding bilateral relations between Kenya and France.
The discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation, accelerating the implementation of strategic agreements concluded during the historic visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Kenya in May 2026, and advancing shared priorities in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, technology and security.
The two countries have witnessed significant momentum in their economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching a record EUR 335 million in 2025. France remains one of Kenya's leading European investment partners, with more than 140 French companies operating in Kenya, supporting approximately 36,000 direct jobs.
The Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France in Nairobi on 11th – 12th May 2026, provided a renewed framework for cooperation, placing emphasis on investment-led partnerships, innovation, green industrialisation and sustainable economic growth. The Summit was preceded by a bilateral meeting between President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron, which culminated in the signing of 11 strategic agreements, including landmark cooperation in Nairobi's commuter rail modernisation, port logistics, clean energy, agriculture and digital transformation.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing cooperation in renewable energy, transport infrastructure, water and sanitation, healthcare, climate action and higher education. Particular emphasis was placed on advancing the University of Nairobi's Engineering and Sciences Complex, strengthening agricultural value chains through geographical indications for Kenyan tea, and expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital governance.
On regional peace and security, the two sides underscored the importance of sustained international support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), including predictable financing and an orderly transition that safeguards regional security gains.
The meeting further explored opportunities to accelerate youth and sports infrastructure development under the Win-Win Africa (AGORA) initiative, alongside strengthening defence cooperation under the Kenya–France Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in October 2025.
Kenya and France established diplomatic relations in 1963 and continue to enjoy a warm and multifaceted partnership founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development.
Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to translate the strong political goodwill between the two countries into tangible outcomes that deliver shared prosperity and strengthen Kenya's position as a regional hub for trade, investment and innovation.