Transport, energy, technology, agriculture, health and education are among the key sectors that have received a major boost following the signing of 11 new agreements between Kenya and France aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.
The agreements were signed at State House, Nairobi, after bilateral talks between President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, who is in the country for the Africa Forward Summit beginning Monday, May 11, 2026.
President Ruto said the wide-ranging agreements reflect a strengthening partnership between the two countries, which have maintained diplomatic relations since 1963, and are now expanding cooperation into new strategic areas.
“Kenya and France have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1963. We continue to deepen this partnership in areas of shared interest for the benefit of the people of both nations,” Ruto said.
He emphasised that the Africa Forward Summit, which Kenya is hosting for the first time outside a Francophone country in over five decades, reflects the growing trust and collaboration between Nairobi and Paris.
“The decision to host the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, for the first time in a non-Francophone country, is a strong affirmation of the growing ties between our two countries,” he said.
“Kenya is deeply honoured to host this summit, the first to be held outside France or a Francophone African country in more than five decades.”
Among the key projects agreed on is the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Sh12.5 billion Nairobi Commuter Rail project, which Ruto said will be central to transforming urban transport in the capital.
He said Nairobi Commuter Rail Line 5 will expand and upgrade commuter corridors connecting Nairobi to satellite towns, including Syokimau, Embakasi, Ruiru and Kikuyu.
“New extensions, including the Riruta-Ngong line currently under construction, will further improve connectivity across the metropolitan area,” he added.
Kenya and France also signed an agreement to establish a joint venture to develop and finance logistics and port infrastructure valued at about Sh104 billion.
The two countries further agreed on a framework to promote Kenyan premium purple tea varieties in French retail markets, a move expected to boost exports, value addition and farmer incomes.
Additional agreements cover cooperation in the blue economy and fisheries, production of sustainable aviation fuel in Kenya, expansion of the Kipeto Wind Energy Development Project by an additional 100 megawatts at a cost of Sh32.5 billion, and financing for the raising of Masinga Dam alongside modernisation of Kenya’s climate and weather services.
The leaders also agreed on collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear energy as Kenya pursues its long-term energy expansion plans.
“Kenya is going to benefit from France’s understanding of nuclear energy,” Ruto said.
He said Kenya is targeting up to 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation and will leverage France’s technical expertise in the sector.
Another agreement focuses on accelerating Kenya’s digital transformation and connectivity agenda.
“Kenya is building a dynamic digital economy that is driving innovation, competitiveness, and regional integration through flagship initiatives such as Konza Technopolis and the Digital Superhighway,” Ruto said.
He said discussions with Macron included cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital public services and data systems.
Ruto added that Kenya is positioning itself as a leading technology hub for East and Central Africa through expanded investment in innovation-driven sectors.
On health, the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in digital health systems, laboratory services and epidemic preparedness, including improved use of real-time data for early disease detection and response.
“This will enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to future outbreaks,” he said.
In education, Ruto welcomed strengthened collaboration in STEM fields and Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes. He said the Sh5.6 billion University of Nairobi Engineering and Science Complex has now moved into the implementation stage.
Ruto also noted that Kenya is seeking to improve air connectivity with France to boost trade, tourism and investment.
“At present, limitations in frequency, capacity, and routing constrain the full potential of direct air links between our two countries,” he said.
On global issues, Ruto said the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, climate action and reforms of the global financial system to ensure fair access to financing for developing countries.
“President Macron and I agreed that the Africa-France Summit must move beyond dialogue to implementation, with a clear focus on investment, innovation, and partnerships that deliver measurable results,” he said.
He added that Kenya will continue working with partners globally but insisted on a forward-looking approach to development.
President Macron said France is committed to expanding partnerships and investments across Africa, adding that projects worth over one billion Euros were announced ahead of the summit.
“It is the Kenyan engineers who will be working on the AI projects,” Macron said.
He added that discussions also focused on infrastructure, logistics, water systems and technology-driven development projects in Kenya.
Macron dismissed suggestions that France was shifting focus due to instability in parts of West Africa.
“Because of the military coups, it doesn’t mean that West Africa is not part of this summit. It is only 3 countries which have not come,” he said.
He confirmed that West African countries would still participate in the summit.
On global financial reforms, Macron said the summit will push for the restructuring of international financial systems alongside the African Development Bank.
“We will try to speed up the reform of the African Financial Infrastructure with the African Development Bank,” he said.
He also said the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya will support France’s agenda at the upcoming G7 Summit in France next month.
French companies already operate in Kenya in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, logistics, infrastructure and renewable energy, with the new agreements expected to expand this footprint further.