Kenya has dismissed reports suggesting that France is planning to establish a military base in the country following renewed public debate over growing defence ties between Nairobi and Paris.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei clarified that Kenya has not entered into any agreement permitting France to set up a military installation on Kenyan soil, despite ongoing military cooperation between the two nations.

“There is no agreement signed between Kenya and France for the establishment of a military base. What there is, is an agreement for military cooperation,” Sing’Oei explained.

The PS explained that the existing arrangement between Kenya and France is limited to a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas such as military training, security support, and operational coordination.

His remarks come amid increasing speculation online following the signing of the DCA in October 2025, with concerns emerging over France’s expanding military engagements across Africa.

Questions over the partnership intensified earlier this year after more than 800 French military personnel arrived in Kenya aboard three warships that docked at the Port of Mombasa for joint exercises with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

The deployment focused on maritime security operations, military training, and enhancing cooperation between French forces and Kenyan naval units tasked with protecting the country’s coastline and strategic trade routes.

French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet previously described the mission as part of efforts to deepen strategic ties between Nairobi and Paris, particularly in promoting stability within the Indian Ocean region.

Officials from the French Embassy also noted that the exercises involved training young officers and cadets through real maritime operations conducted alongside Kenyan security teams.

The clarification by Sing’Oei comes days after Kenya and France signed several new agreements during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi covering infrastructure, renewable energy, transport, digital connectivity, climate action, and higher education.

France also pledged support for key development projects, including upgrades to Nairobi’s commuter rail system, expansion of logistics infrastructure linked to the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu, and technology partnerships.