Kenya’s sports sector has received a major boon after the government secured a €60 million (approximately Sh10 billion) partnership with France to upgrade sports infrastructure, nurture talent and promote inclusivity.

The deal, reaffirmed by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya during talks with the French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet, will fund key projects, including an international coaching exchange programme and a wheelchair basketball summit aimed at fostering opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

Speaking after the discussions with the French Ambassador to Kenya CS Mvurya lauded the partnership, emphasising its long-term benefits beyond infrastructure development.

“The Ministry is committed to ensuring Kenya maximises the potential benefits from this collaboration,” he stated.  

One of the flagship projects under this deal is the “House of coaches” programme, which will see 12 athletics coaches from Kenya participate in a six-week training and exchange programme in France from March 2025.

The initiative, led by the Municipality of Miramas Bouches-du-Rhône in France, aims to equip Kenyan coaches with advanced training techniques while fostering international collaboration in athletics. 

Additionally, the French Development Agency (AFD), in partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), will host the Basketball in Wheelchair summit in Nairobi.

The event will bring together athletes, coaches, and global stakeholders to advocate for equal opportunities and promote inclusivity for athletes with disabilities. 

As per the discussions, this collaboration reinforces Kenya’s growing ties with France in the sports sector, with previous investments in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, already benefiting local athletics development.

Taking to his X account, CS Mvurya wrote: “This afternoon, I held extensive discussions with the French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Arnaud Suquet, reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between our nations in sports development, with a focus on infrastructure and talent nurturing to foster cohesion.