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”.

“We are here to deepen our relations with the French government and French people. We strongly believe in strengthening people-to-people relations and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends, and this occasion gives us that opportunity,” Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta disclosed that his talks with Hollande covered a number of issues of mutual concern, with security topping the agenda.

“As you know, both France and Kenya have been victims of terrorism – a global problem that Kenya has consistently said requires a global approach in resolving,” Kenyatta said.

At the meeting, Kenya and France resolved to work together in combating terrorism.

For his part, Hollande said Kenya and France had formed a strategic partnership that would boost intelligence sharing and help in the deradicalisation of young people.

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 in teaching of the French language.

The bilateral meeting – attended by Cabinet Secretaries Amina Mohamed, Henry Rotich, Eugene Wamalwa and Najib Balala – also agreed that 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.