Kenya, France Sign 11 Agreements Spanning Rail, Energy, Digital Economy And Logistics
The agreements signed during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nairobi span commuter rail, renewable energy, logistics infrastructure and nuclear cooperation
By Samuel Okocha
Kenya and France signed 11 bilateral agreements covering transport, energy, logistics, digital transformation and agriculture.
The deals, announced at State House Nairobi after talks between President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron, formed part of efforts to unlock private capital and speed up critical infrastructure for a broader and more inclusive growth opportunties.
They align with the Africa Forward Summit, which wrapped up in Nairobi this week and aims to deepen EU-Africa economic ties.
Here are the key developments:
Nairobi commuter rail upgrade to receive KSh12.5 billion overhaul
Kenya and France agreed to rehabilitate and modernise the Nairobi Commuter Rail project as part of Kenya’s broader urban transport strategy.
The project will expand Line 5 and upgrade rail corridors connecting Nairobi to satellite towns including Syokimau, Embakasi, Ruiru and Kikuyu.
The Riruta–Ngong extension currently under construction will also form part of the metropolitan connectivity plan.
New logistics and port infrastructure venture valued at KSh104 billion
Both countries signed an agreement establishing a joint venture to develop and finance logistics and port infrastructure projects worth about KSh104 billion.
The deal points to growing interest in East African trade corridors and transport infrastructure.
France to support Kenya’s digital economy ambitions
The agreements include cooperation on:
- digital infrastructure,
- cybersecurity,
- artificial intelligence,
- data systems,
- and digital public services.
President Ruto said Kenya aims to deepen collaboration around flagship projects including Konza Technopolis, a 5,000-acre innovation city located 60 km south of Nairobi, and the Digital Superhighway initiative that aims to expand the country’s fibre network and bolster e-government services.
Nuclear energy cooperation enters strategic discussions
Kenya said it plans to leverage French expertise in nuclear technology as the country pursues its long-term target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity.
France remains one of the world’s leading nuclear energy producers.
Kipeto wind project expansion announced
The two countries agreed to support a 100-megawatt expansion of the Kipeto Wind Energy Development Project at a cost of KSh32.5 billion.
The move aligns with Kenya’s push to expand renewable energy generation.
Kenya and France back sustainable aviation fuel production
Another agreement covers the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Kenya as countries globally seek lower-carbon aviation alternatives.
Premium Kenyan tea exports to French retailers
France and Kenya also agreed to promote Kenyan specialty and purple tea varieties across French retail networks.
Officials said the agreement could improve value addition and farmer earnings.
Cooperation expands into blue economy and fisheries
Additional agreements cover collaboration in:
- fisheries,
- blue economy development,
- agri-food systems transformation,
- climate services,
- and the raising of Masinga Dam.
Air connectivity discussions target trade and tourism growth
President Ruto said both countries discussed improving direct air connectivity between Kenya and France to support trade, tourism and business travel.
He noted that current limitations around flight frequency and routing continue to constrain growth.
France to support health and epidemic preparedness system
The partnership will also cover:
- digital health,
- laboratory systems,
- epidemic preparedness,
- and real-time disease monitoring infrastructure.
STEM and technical education projects move forward
Kenya said the University of Nairobi Engineering and Science Complex, valued at KSh5.6 billion, is now moving into implementation.
The project forms part of broader cooperation in STEM and technical education.
The agreements come as Kenya became the first country in more than five decades to host the Africa Forward Summit outside France or a Francophone African country.
President Macron said France intends to deepen investment partnerships across Africa while pushing for reforms to the global financial architecture ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit in France.
