Kenya and France Seal 11 Agreements to Deepen Cooperation
On 2 November 2024, Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the signing of eleven bilateral agreements at State House in Nairobi. The ceremony followed a private meeting ahead of the Africa Forward Summit and covered sectors ranging from energy and transport to digital infrastructure and trade.
Energy Collaboration Takes Center Stage
President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s ambition to expand its electricity generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts (MW) and expressed interest in leveraging French expertise in nuclear energy. France, through its state‑owned utility EDF, has been involved in several nuclear projects worldwide and offers technical assistance, training, and potential joint feasibility studies for small‑modular reactors (SMRs) in Kenya.
The agreements also cover renewable energy, with provisions for French companies to participate in Kenya’s geothermal, wind, and solar programmes. According to the Ministry of Energy, Kenya aims to increase renewable‑based generation from the current 90 % to over 95 % by 2030, and French investment could accelerate this transition.
Transport, Digital Infrastructure and Trade
- Air connectivity: Both sides pledged to explore new air routes and improve existing services between Nairobi and Paris, aiming to boost tourism, business travel, and cargo flows.
- Rail and port modernization: French firms are invited to contribute to the upgrade of the Mombasa‑Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway and the expansion of the Lamu Port‑South Sudan‑Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor.
- Digital infrastructure: Cooperation includes joint work on broadband expansion, data centre development, and cybersecurity capacity building, aligning with Kenya’s Digital Economy Blueprint.
- Trade facilitation: The agreements simplify customs procedures and promote mutual recognition of standards, which officials say could raise bilateral trade volume from the current €1.2 billion to over €2 billion within five years.
Leadership Perspectives
President Macron reiterated France’s commitment to deepening partnerships across Africa, stating that “France remains a reliable partner for sustainable development, investment, and reform of the international financial system.” He added that the new pacts fit within France’s broader strategy to support African industrialisation and green growth.
President Ruto welcomed the French support, noting that the collaborations would help Kenya achieve its Vision 2030 goals, particularly in energy security, infrastructure resilience, and job creation for its youthful population.
Regional Context: Egypt, APPO and African Energy Integration
The Kenya‑France talks occurred alongside discussions between Egypt and the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) on trans‑Saharan gas pipeline projects and the establishment of an African energy bank. While those initiatives focus on hydrocarbon resources, Kenya’s emphasis on renewables and nuclear reflects a diversified approach to continental energy integration.
Analysts suggest that combining North‑African gas infrastructure with East‑African renewable projects could create a more balanced energy mix for the continent, reducing reliance on any single fuel source.
Looking Ahead
Implementation of the eleven agreements will be overseen by a joint Kenya‑France follow‑up committee, which is scheduled to meet quarterly. Key milestones include:
- Completion of a feasibility study for a 300 MW SMR pilot in Kenya by mid‑2026.
- Launch of the first upgraded Nairobi‑Paris flight route by late 2025.
- Signing of memoranda of understanding for at least two French‑led renewable energy projects (wind and solar) before the end of 2025.
Stakeholders from both governments, private sector, and civil society will monitor progress to ensure that the partnerships deliver tangible benefits for Kenyan citizens and reinforce France’s strategic footprint in East Africa.
[1] Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya. “President Ruto Hosts French President Macron for Bilateral Talks.” November 2 2024. https://www.mfa.go.ke/president-ruto-hosts-french-president-macron
[2] Élysée Palace. “France‑Kenya Cooperation: Eleven New Agreements Signed.” November 2 2024. https://www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-macron/2024/11/02/france-kenya-cooperation
[3] International Energy Agency (IEA). “Kenya Energy Outlook 2024.” https://www.iea.org/reports/kenya-energy-outlook-2024
