France, Kenya seek ‘balanced relationship’ free from loans and aid

In a joint address in Nairobi on Sunday, the two Heads of State outlined plans to forge a ‘balanced relationship’ that would benefit both the East African nation and its European partner. 

“It is not about anglophone or francophone. This is a relationship of equals. Not about thinking about aid, loans. Thinking about investments. We want a balanced relationship,” said Ruto.

President Macron also termed the relationship between Kenya and France as ‘balanced’.

Ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, which the two nations will be co-hosting in Nairobi, President Macron announced the signing of projects and investments worth over 1 billion Euros. 

“It is the Kenyan engineers who will be working on the AI projects,” said Macron. 

The two countries are also looking into collaboration on nuclear energy production. 

This is among other collaborations in transport and logistics, technology and water infrastructure to transform Kenya. 

Among them is the rehabilitation and modernization of the Ksh12.5 billion Nairobi commuter railway.

Macron dismissed reports that France is courting Kenya after failing to sustain relationships with West African countries – which have recently been marred by coups. 

“Because of the military coups it doesn’t mean that West Africa is not part of this summit. It is only 3 countries which have not come,” Macron said in response to reports on France’s split with West Africa.