Kenya and France have signed 11 major agreements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in transport, energy, trade, digital infrastructure and investment. The agreements were witnessed by President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron at State House Nairobi following high-level bilateral talks held ahead of the Africa Forward Summit. The deals signal growing strategic ties between the two countries as Kenya positions itself as a regional economic and infrastructure hub in East Africa.
A major highlight of the agreements is the Sh12.5 billion rehabilitation and modernization of the Nairobi Commuter Rail network. The project is expected to significantly improve urban mobility within the Nairobi metropolitan region by upgrading rail links connecting the capital to key satellite towns such as Syokimau, Embakasi, Ruiru and Kikuyu. The modernization aims to reduce congestion, improve commuter efficiency and support Nairobi’s growing urban population.
President Ruto noted that the rail expansion will also incorporate the Riruta-Ngong railway line, which is currently under construction. The integration of the commuter rail system is expected to enhance connectivity across Nairobi and neighboring counties while supporting economic activity and easing pressure on road transport. The project forms part of Kenya’s broader infrastructure transformation agenda focused on creating sustainable and efficient public transport systems.
Kenya and France further signed a major agreement establishing a joint venture for logistics and port infrastructure development valued at approximately Sh104 billion. The partnership is expected to strengthen Kenya’s maritime and trade capacity by improving port efficiency, cargo handling and regional logistics networks. The agreement aligns with Kenya’s ambition to position itself as a gateway for trade and commerce within the wider East and Central African region.
The two countries also expanded cooperation in the digital economy through agreements covering digital transformation, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. These partnerships are expected to enhance Kenya’s technological capabilities, strengthen digital infrastructure and support innovation-driven economic growth. The agreements come at a time when Kenya is increasingly positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading technology and innovation centers.
In the energy sector, the agreements focused heavily on renewable and sustainable energy development. France committed to supporting the expansion of the Kipeto Wind Power project through an additional 100 megawatts of capacity. The two nations also agreed to cooperate in sustainable aviation fuel production, climate and weather services, as well as blue economy initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
President Ruto stated that Kenya is also seeking to leverage French expertise in nuclear energy as the country pursues its long-term goal of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity. He emphasized that diversifying Kenya’s energy mix is critical for supporting industrialization, economic growth and rising energy demand. Discussions between the two leaders additionally explored ways to improve air connectivity between Kenya and France to boost tourism, trade and foreign investment flows.
President Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to expanding investment and strategic partnerships across Africa while supporting reforms within the international financial system. The agreements were signed ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, which begins in Nairobi tomorrow and marks a historic milestone as the event is being hosted outside a Francophone country for the first time in more than 50 years. The summit is expected to strengthen dialogue on Africa’s economic transformation, investment opportunities and international partnerships.
