Kenya and France Sign Sh129 Billion Agreements During Macron Visit
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France has signed agreements worth more than $1 billion with Kenya in a move aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in transport, infrastructure, trade and maritime development.
The agreements were signed on Sunday, May 10, during French President Emmanuel Macron visit to Nairobi where he held talks with Kenyan President William Ruto at State House.
According to Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya and France signed 11 cooperation agreements covering key sectors of the economy.
Mudavadi said the agreements are worth more than $1 billion and are expected to support several development projects in the country.
A major part of the deal focuses on improving Nairobi’s commuter railway system. Kenya plans to expand the commuter rail line towards Embakasi, Ruiru and Thika to help reduce traffic congestion and improve transport within the city.
The railway expansion is expected to work together with the Nairobi Railway City project that is already being developed in partnership with the United Kingdom.
Mudavadi said the new railway system could help transport up to 30,000 passengers per hour once the project is complete.
Kenya and France also signed a Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the blue economy and fisheries sector.
Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Hassan Ali Joho said the agreement will improve cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture, maritime management and sustainable use of ocean resources.
The partnership is also expected to support development along Kenya’s coastal region and create more economic opportunities in the blue economy sector.
President Macron’s visit comes at a time when France is looking to strengthen its relationship with East African countries after facing challenges in some West African nations including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
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