France Supports Kenyan Development in Key Sectors

Kenya and France are strengthening their bilateral partnership, with France committing substantial investments in several sectors. These investments aim to empower youth, foster innovation, and promote sustainable development within Kenya.

The commitment comes ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, which Nairobi will host from May 11–12, marking the first time the summit will be held outside a Francophone African country.

Education and Innovation

France is investing €35 million (Sh5.38 billion) in an engineering and science complex at the University of Nairobi. This complex will focus on training engineers in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and STEM disciplines, with a particular emphasis on supporting women and girls.

Additionally, France is supporting the “Digitalisation for TVET” program, a collaborative effort involving Team Europe, the EU, the French Development Agency, and KfW, to improve youth employability in a digitalizing economy.

Renewable Energy

France has invested €525 million (Sh80.6 billion) in renewable energy projects over the past decade, contributing to Kenya’s goal of achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity and universal access by 2030.

These investments include energy transmission projects reaching over 9.6 million people and forest fire protection programs funded through a €22 million (Sh3 billion) French Treasury loan.

Infrastructure and Health

French support in infrastructure and health totals €1.41 billion (Sh217 billion). This includes water and transport projects, as well as programs designed to strengthen equitable healthcare access.

In 2024, a new water treatment plant in Kigoro, Nairobi, improved water quality for four million residents. France has also launched a €3.15 million (Sh484 million) sickle cell care project in Kenya and Tanzania.

Cultural Investments

Cultural investments of €2.5 million (Sh384 million) through the Création Africa program are intended to bolster Kenya’s creative economy and digital skills. This support is delivered through Alliance Française centres in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.

Africa Forward Summit

The Africa Forward Summit will serve as a platform to further solidify the Kenya–France partnership. Discussions will focus on topics such as international financial reform, energy transition, green industrialization, the blue economy, artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, and health.

The summit’s outcomes will inform deliberations at the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains in June 2026, when France will hold the G7 Presidency.

Economic Partnership

With over 140 French companies currently operating in Kenya and providing 36,000 direct jobs, these investments represent a shift in the Kenya–France relationship from traditional aid to a mutually beneficial and sustainable partnership focused on youth, innovation, and the future of Africa.