Kenya and France have signed 11 agreements worth about Ksh150 billion aimed at improving infrastructure, energy and trade cooperation between the two countries.
President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the signing of the agreements after bilateral talks focused on strengthening ties in transport, renewable energy, manufacturing and technology.
One of the key agreements involves the expansion and rehabilitation of the Port of Mombasa through a partnership with French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM. The project is estimated to cost about Ksh104 billion.
“CMA CGM has agreed to renovate two terminals at the Mombasa Port at a total investment of 700 million euros,” Macron said.
The expansion comes at a time when cargo traffic at the port continues to grow.
According to the Kenya Ports Authority, container volumes have increased from about 1.4 million to 2 million, creating pressure for faster cargo handling and improved efficiency.
France also committed to expand the Kipeto wind power project by an additional 100 megawatts at a cost of about Ksh32.5 billion. Macron said the total value of the projects agreed upon during the visit is expected to reach one billion euros.
The French President also expressed willingness to support Kenya’s nuclear energy ambitions as the country 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.
Ruto welcomed the cooperation, saying Kenya would benefit from France’s experience in nuclear energy and other strategic sectors as the government pushes its economic transformation agenda.
The agreements also cover agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital innovation, agro-industrial development and manufacturing.
The new deals come weeks after Kenya’s National Assembly approved a renewable five-year defence cooperation agreement between Kenya and France aimed at strengthening military training, intelligence sharing and security collaboration.
The arrangement has already seen about 800 French soldiers deployed to Mombasa for joint training exercises, a move that has sparked debate among some leaders and members of the public over national sovereignty.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended the cooperation, saying intelligence sharing remains important in the fight against terrorism and regional security threats.
