Kenya and France have signed five pacts that will inject into the Kenyan economy close to €250-million (Ksh29-billion).
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and French President François Hollande witnessed the signing of the deals at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Monday after holding bilateral talks that covered infrastructure projects which the Kenyan leader said were “key for bringing prosperity to the Kenyan people”.
The pacts signed included those on the financing of the Last Mile Connectivity Programme (connecting Kenyans to the electric power grid), additional funding for the roads 2000 programme phase II, financing of the Meru Wind Farm (renewable/clean energy) and the financing of the Ruiru II Dam & Water Supply project.
According to a press release by the Presidential Service Communication Unit (PSCU), Kenyatta lauded the shared values between Kenya and France. He described France as “a true friend and a partner in our development”.
Kenyatta disclosed that his talks with Hollande covered a number of issues of mutual concern, with security topping the agenda.
On technical cooperation, the Kenyan and French delegations discussed the partnership provided by the French Development Agency in various fields, including infrastructure, water and sanitation, energy, micro-finance sector, environment, investments, culture, sport, as well as education.
France should seek to significantly increase imports of Kenya’s coffee, tea, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables. Kenyatta and Hollande also agreed on the need to work out measures to grow the number of French tourists visiting Kenya.
