Ruto and Macron sign 11 agreements to bolster relations between Kenya & France
By Mustafa Juma, May 10, 2026President William Ruto and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have signed 11 bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, infrastructural, and technological cooperation between Kenya and France.
The agreements were signed during talks held at State House, Nairobi, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, following Macron’s arrival in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit.
Strengthening Kenya-France ties
In a statement issued via social media after the meeting, President Ruto said Kenya and France have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1963 and continue to deepen cooperation in areas of shared strategic interest.
According to Ruto, the decision to host the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya for the first time outside a Francophone country reflects the growing relationship between Nairobi and Paris.
“Kenya and France have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1963. We continue to deepen this partnership in areas of shared interest for the benefit of the people of both nations,” Ruto stated.
“The decision to host the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, for the first time in a non-Francophone country, is a strong affirmation of the growing ties between our two countries. The summit marks a significant step towards a more balanced, action-oriented, and results-driven partnership.”
Key agreements signed
The 11 agreements signed between the two countries span several major sectors, including transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, aviation, digital transformation, and the blue economy.
Among the flagship projects announced is the modernisation of the Nairobi Central Station to the Embakasi Rail Line 5 project, expected to improve urban transport connectivity within the capital.
The two governments also signed agreements on the promotion of Kenya’s premium purple tea exports, peaceful use of nuclear energy, development of the Masinga Dam project, modernisation of meteorological services, sustainable aviation fuel production, the digital transformation initiatives, expansion of container terminal capacity at Kenyan ports, and cooperation in the blue economy and the fisheries sector.
The agreements are expected to deepen French investment in Kenya while opening new opportunities in trade, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and technology.
Officials from both countries said the partnerships aim to support economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
Particular emphasis was placed on green energy, transport modernisation, and innovation-driven sectors that align with Kenya’s long-term economic plans.
Africa Forward Summit
Macron is in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit, which has brought together heads of state, business leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss Africa’s economic transformation and future global partnerships.
The summit is focusing on issues such as artificial intelligence, climate action, green industrialisation, infrastructure, youth employment, and digital innovation.
Kenya is hosting the summit as part of efforts to position Nairobi as a continental hub for diplomacy, trade, and international investment.
France remains one of Kenya’s major European partners, with cooperation spanning transport, renewable energy, education, health, urban development, and security.
French companies have also expanded operations in Kenya in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics, and telecommunications.