MP Orero defends Ruto-Macron deal amid Africa-Forward Summit criticism
By Aloys Michael, May 13, 2026Kibra Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Orero has defended the multi-billion-shilling cooperation agreements signed between Kenya and France, dismissing criticism from opposition leaders who have questioned the motives behind the Africa-Forward Summit and Nairobi’s growing ties with Paris.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Orero said Kenya should embrace international partnerships that create opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development and job creation instead of viewing them through the lens of foreign domination.
“Economic advancements and growth shouldn’t have boundaries. Why should we shy away from partnerships that can improve the lives of Kenyans when Kenya and France work together? We shouldn’t see it as being subdued by European countries, but rather be optimistic about economic growth,” Orero said.
The MP’s remarks come amid heated political debate following President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron overseeing the signing of 11 memoranda of understanding worth approximately Ksh150 billion.
The agreements target major investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and digital innovation, with both governments positioning the deals as a key step in strengthening economic cooperation between Kenya and France.
One of the flagship projects includes a Ksh104 billion joint venture to renovate and expand the Port of Mombasa. French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM committed nearly 700 million euros toward refurbishing two terminals at the port.
Macron said the investment would help modernise East Africa’s busiest port and improve efficiency as cargo traffic continues to rise.
“CMA CGM has agreed to renovate two terminals at the Mombasa Port at a total investment of 700 million euros,” Macron said during the signing ceremony.
According to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) container traffic at the Port of Mombasa has increased significantly from about 1.4 million to nearly 2 million containers, intensifying the need for expanded facilities and faster turnaround times.
France also pledged support for Kenya’s renewable energy ambitions through the expansion of the Kipeto wind power project by an additional 100 megawatts at an estimated cost of Ksh32.5 billion. Macron indicated that the broader package of Kenya-France projects could surpass one billion euros in value.
In another major development, France expressed willingness to support Kenya’s nuclear energy programme as Nairobi pushes ahead with plans to establish its first nuclear power plant in Siaya County.
“Nuclear energy is what we have been doing since World War II. We know how to produce it in a safe way,” Macron said.
President Ruto welcomed the collaboration, saying French expertise would help accelerate Kenya’s industrial transformation and long-term energy security agenda.
Beyond infrastructure and energy, the agreements also cover cooperation in agro-industrial development, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and digital innovation sectors expected to create employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.
Summit’s rebuff
However, the growing partnership has triggered criticism from sections of the opposition ahead of the Africa-Forward Summit scheduled to be held in Nairobi.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka claimed Kenya’s selection to host the summit was influenced by divisions among Francophone nations rather than the country’s democratic credentials or economic standing.
Speaking at Seed of Hope Church in Donholm, Kalonzo urged President Ruto not to celebrate the event prematurely, arguing that Kenya continues to face serious concerns over human rights, suppression of dissent and restrictions on freedom of expression and worship.
“There is a lot of realignment in West Africa, and that is how they convinced Ruto to host the event in Kenya,” Kalonzo said.
The opposition has also raised concerns over the recently approved five-year renewable defence cooperation agreement between Kenya and France. The deal seeks to deepen military collaboration, intelligence sharing and joint training operations between the two countries.
The arrangement has already seen approximately 800 French soldiers deployed to Mombasa for training exercises, sparking debate over sovereignty and foreign military presence in Kenya.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended the agreement, insisting intelligence-sharing partnerships remain critical in combating terrorism and regional security threats.
Despite mounting criticism, Orero maintained that Kenya must focus on leveraging international partnerships for economic progress, saying the country stands to gain significantly from strategic cooperation with global powers such as France.