Risks and rewards in France-Kenya partnership

"Kenya is hosting the Africa Forward 2026 summit in partnership with France, the first of its kind held outside a Francophone country. The summit, which brings together African leaders and business executives from across the continent and beyond, has sparked criticism at home and abroad. Since President William Ruto took office, Kenya has opened itself up to partnerships with Western countries, positioning itself as the most stable and accessible country in the region. However, France's colonial past continues to haunt Paris as it has lost influence in several former colonies in West Africa."

"France and Kenya signed a defence cooperation agreement in April 2026. It was preceded by the arrival of 800 French troops in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa for a joint training exercise with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). After the agreement's signing, critics warned that Kenya could risk falling under the influence of a neo-colonial power, citing France's history of unequal partnerships in West Africa. The automatic five-year renewable deal includes partnerships in maritime security, intelligence, peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance and disaster response."

"The agreement grants French forces diplomatic-style immunity in Kenya and requires disputes to be resolved through diplomatic channels rather than Kenyan courts. It also allows convicted French personnel to serve sentences in France and gives Paris primary jurisdiction over offences committed by its soldiers on Kenyan soil. Critics say the agreement f"

Kenya is hosting the Africa Forward 2026 summit with France, the first such summit held outside a Francophone country, bringing together African leaders and business executives. The partnership has faced criticism in Kenya and abroad, with concerns that Kenya’s interests could be subordinated to a neo-colonial power. Since President William Ruto took office, Kenya has pursued partnerships with Western countries and positioned itself as stable and accessible in the region. France’s colonial legacy and reduced influence in parts of West Africa have shaped its renewed engagement with Kenya. A defense cooperation agreement signed in April 2026 follows the arrival of 800 French troops for joint training in Mombasa. The five-year renewable deal covers maritime security, intelligence, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance, while granting French forces diplomatic-style immunity and dispute resolution through diplomatic channels.

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