Kenya-France relations will be one of the major highlights in achieving the vision of Uhuru’s Big Four Agenda.
The Bilateral cooperation between Kenya and France has resulted to tremendous growth over the years in the economic and political spheres within the nation.
Kenya and France enjoy close and cordial relations based on shared principles and values relating to democracy, freedom, rule of law and respect for human rights. The two countries maintain diplomatic representation in each other’s respective capitals
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Trade and investment between and have registered steady progress in the past few years. France is Kenya’s largest trading partner in Eastern Africa, the 6th largest investor in Kenya representing about 10% of direct and indirect commercial interests
French firms operating under the auspices of the French Business Confederation (MEDEF) have identified 12 priority projects for investment within the Big Four Agenda. The projects span industry, roads, energy, food security, health and technology
President Kenyatta made a State Visit to France in 2016. Discussions centered on peace and security, counter-terrorism, tourism, trade and investment between Kenya and France , and cooperation in various sectors including energy and health
The head of state participated at the Inaugural Forum of the Paris Peace Conference in Nov 2018 at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. President Kenyatta also took part in the Roundtable debate with other world leaders on issues of climate change
France on it’s part participated in the Blue Economy Conference in Kenya in Nov, 2018. The two countries signed the Agreement for the Setting-up of a Regional Information Exchange and Sharing Mechanism and the Regional Agreement on Coordination of Operations at Sea
Kenya and France continue to deal with the challenges of terrorism and violent extremism.
Some of the areas of interest between Kenya and France include economic and technical cooperation, regional peace and security, climate change, reform of the UN, migration and sustainable development, among others
In the spirit of harnessing cooperation,President Kenyatta will this afternoon host his French counterpart H.E. Emmanuel Macron at State House, Nairobi.
The State visit by President Macron provides an opportunity to discuss further cooperation in intelligence sharing on terror networks and de-radicalization.