East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP  David Ole Sankok has called on Parliament to thoroughly scrutinise bilateral agreements signed between Kenya and France following President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Kenya.

Speaking during a television interview on May 14, 2026, Sankok said lawmakers should carefully examine all agreements signed during the Africa Forward Summit to ensure they serve Kenya’s interests. He stated that Kenya should avoid historical patterns of unequal partnerships and ensure that future cooperation agreements are subjected to parliamentary oversight.

“If Kenya benefits, it should extend benefits to the entire continent by slaying this dragon of new colonialism,” Sankok said during the interview.

He also referenced historical relations between African countries and France, saying Kenya should use previous experiences to guide its assessment of current agreements.

Kenya-France agreements

The remarks come days after the conclusion of the Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. The summit brought together African leaders, investors, and business representatives to discuss trade, investment, climate action, innovation, and financing.

During the summit, Kenya and France signed 11 bilateral agreements covering sectors including transport infrastructure, aviation, agriculture, nuclear energy, blue economy development, and digital transformation.

Government officials stated that the agreements are aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and supporting investment and technology transfer between the two countries.

President Ruto described France as a strategic partner in advancing development and regional cooperation, while President Macron emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between Africa and Europe.

Debate over historical relations and sovereignty

Sankok also commented on President Macron’s remarks regarding the return of African cultural artefacts taken during the colonial period. He welcomed the acknowledgement by the French President but stated that African countries should also focus on broader economic and resource-related concerns.

The summit also generated debate following President Macron’s remarks during a youth engagement forum at the University of Nairobi. Some participants criticised his comments as patronising, while Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei defended the French President and called for respectful engagement during public discussions.

Sankok’s comments add to ongoing public discussions on sovereignty, economic partnerships, and parliamentary oversight as Kenya deepens bilateral cooperation with international partners.