Al Jazeera reports: 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. France has already deployed 600 military personnel to Kenya, with officials saying they will provide training for KDF personnel.
France has continued to support Kenya, not only in this agreement but also in different projects in this country,” Koech added.Koech also said that a defence cooperation agreement does not mean that French forces deployed to Kenya will be in the country permanently. However, sources in parliament told Al Jazeera that France has been pushing to add a permanent troop presence in Kenya.What does each side gain from partnership?For France, Kenya offers political stability, economic opportunities, and strategic access to the Western Indian Ocean. For Kenya, the partnership promises investment, infrastructure development, security cooperation, and increased international influence.France is currently Kenya’s fourth-largest foreign direct investment partner.
Background
According to Kenyan government data, Kenya is the largest consumer of French products in East Africa. Today, France ranks among the largest investors in Kenya, having invested 1.8 billion euros ($2.1bn) over the past decade. Advertisement As of 2026, at least 140 French companies operate in Kenya, up from 40 in 2013, showing growing interest in the Kenyan economy.
Key facts
- France has already deployed 600 military personnel to Kenya, with officials saying they will provide training for KDF personnel.
- According to Kenyan government data, Kenya is the largest consumer of French products in East Africa.
- Today, France ranks among the largest investors in Kenya, having invested 1.8 billion euros ($2.1bn) over the past decade.
What this means
In March 2026, Business France East Africa, the French agency promoting business ventures between French companies and East Africa, in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce in Kenya, launched a business guide to help French investors navigate opportunities in Kenya.France is also the fifth-largest provider of foreign direct investment in Kenya, supporting about 46,000 direct jobs. For Kenya, military and defence engagement with France complements existing security agreements with countries like the UK and the US, who both maintain bases in Kenya. “The goal is to deepen strategic economic ties in a turbulent trade and geopolitical context.
Both sides want to move away from models that prioritise the export of raw materials from Africa for processing abroad and away from aid-based relationships that create dependency.”Rodrigues added that France, under Macron, is eager to strengthen ties with East and Southern Africa after facing rising anti-French sentiment in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel. Kenya’s position as a hub for Eastern Africa makes it a strategic entry point for France in the region, she said.“For Kenya, military and defence engagement with France complements existing security agreements with countries like the UK and the US, who both maintain bases in Kenya.
Originally reported by Al Jazeera. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
