NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and France have signed 11 bilateral agreements spanning transport, energy, trade, technology and infrastructure in a major diplomatic and economic push aimed at strengthening ties between Nairobi and Paris.
The agreements were signed at State House Nairobi following bilateral talks between William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron ahead of the ongoing Africa Forward Summit.
The deals collectively represent one of the most significant rounds of Kenya-France cooperation in recent years and come as Kenya positions itself as a regional hub for transport, innovation, green energy and digital transformation.
Nairobi rail upgrade takes centre stage
Among the flagship agreements is the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Ksh.12.5 billion Nairobi Commuter Rail project, which President Ruto described as a key pillar of Kenya’s urban transport transformation agenda.
According to the President, Nairobi Commuter Rail Line 5 will expand and modernise commuter rail corridors linking the capital 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,” Ruto said.
The commuter rail expansion is expected to ease congestion in Nairobi, where rapid urbanisation and population growth have intensified pressure on road infrastructure and public transport systems.
Ksh.104 billion logistics and port deal
Kenya and France also signed a joint venture agreement to develop and finance logistics and port infrastructure projects valued at approximately Ksh.104 billion.
The investment is expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional trade and logistics gateway serving East and Central Africa, particularly through improvements linked to ports, supply chains and freight movement.
The agreement comes amid growing competition among African economies to attract infrastructure financing and strategic investments tied to regional trade corridors.
Digital economy and Artificial Intelligence
Digital transformation also featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries agreeing to deepen cooperation in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and public digital systems.
President Ruto said Kenya intends to leverage French expertise as the country accelerates projects such as Konza Technopolis and the Digital Superhighway initiative.
“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,” he said.
Analysts say the agreements reflect Kenya’s broader ambition to become a leading technology and innovation hub in East and Central Africa.
Nuclear energy, climate and aviation fuel
The bilateral agreements also covered cooperation in nuclear energy development, with Kenya seeking to benefit from France’s advanced expertise in civilian nuclear technology as the country pursues its long-term target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity.
“Kenya is going to benefit from France’s understanding of nuclear energy,” Ruto said.
Additional agreements focused on climate and green energy initiatives, including:
- Expansion of the Kipeto Wind Energy Development Project by an additional 100 megawatts at a cost of Ksh.32.5 billion
- Financing for the raising of Masinga Dam
- Modernisation of Kenya’s weather and climate monitoring systems
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Kenya
- Blue economy and fisheries cooperation
- Agri-food systems transformation
The agreements align with Kenya’s efforts to transition toward renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure while attracting green financing from international partners.
Education and healthcare partnerships
Ruto also announced enhanced collaboration in healthcare, including digital health systems, epidemic preparedness and real-time disease surveillance.
“This will enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to future outbreaks,” he said.
On education, the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in STEM education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The President confirmed that the Ksh.5.6 billion University of Nairobi Engineering and Science Complex project is now entering the implementation phase.
Africa Forward Summit and global finance reform
The agreements were signed as Nairobi hosts the Africa Forward Summit, a high-level gathering bringing together African and European leaders, investors and policymakers to discuss investment, trade, climate financing and innovation.
Ruto said hosting the summit in Kenya for the first time outside a Francophone country represented a major diplomatic milestone.
“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,” he said.
The President added that the summit should move beyond political dialogue toward measurable investment outcomes.
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“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.
Ruto also reiterated Kenya’s foreign policy positioning amid growing geopolitical competition between global powers.
“We are looking forward,” he said, adding that Kenya would continue partnering with countries aligned to its development agenda rather than choosing between East and West.
On his part, Emmanuel Macron said France remains committed to expanding partnerships and investments across Africa.
“We will try and speed up the reform of the African Financial Infrastructure with the African Development Bank,” Macron said.
The French President also dismissed suggestions that hosting the summit in Kenya sidelines West African nations, saying Francophone countries remain fully represented at the meeting.
