Kenya Reaffirms Strong Partnership with France During Bastille Day Celebrations

Kenya Reaffirms Strong Partnership with France During Bastille Day Celebrations

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with France, with a renewed focus on youth empowerment, innovation, education and research. Speaking during the 146th French National Day (Bastille Day) celebrations at the University of Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, said the partnership continues to create opportunities for young people through scientific research, technical and vocational training, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange.

The event brought together Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing'Oei, French Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Arnaud Suquet, members of the diplomatic corps, university leadership, innovators, entrepreneurs and students. Dr. Mudavadi said Kenya's youthful population remains central to the Government's socio-economic transformation agenda, noting that with nearly 80 per cent of Kenyans below the age of 35, investing in education, innovation and skills development is critical to unlocking the country's economic potential.

Dr. Mudavadi commended the growing collaboration between Kenya and France in advancing innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence research that supports African languages such as Kiswahili. He said the partnership demonstrates how technology can preserve cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for innovation, economic growth and job creation.

He also highlighted the outcomes of the Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France in Nairobi in May, where both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to innovation, industrialisation and investment, with young people at the centre of the partnership. He welcomed the planned Engineering and Science Complex at the University of Nairobi, jointly supported by the Governments of Kenya and France through the French Development Agency (AFD), describing it as a major investment in science, research and innovation.
French Ambassador H.E. Arnaud Suquet said Kenya and France continue to strengthen cooperation in education, research, innovation and youth engagement, adding that partnerships between French institutions and Kenyan universities are expanding opportunities for young innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Mudavadi commended Ambassador Suquet for his contribution to strengthening Kenya–France relations during his tenure and reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation for shared prosperity and sustainable development. He said the enduring partnership between the two countries reflects their shared commitment to empowering future generations through knowledge, innovation and strategic collaboration.