President William Ruto used a meeting with Emmanuel Macron to underline what he described as an increasingly confident partnership between Kenya and France, as both governments look to deepen political and economic ties ahead of a major gathering in Nairobi next year.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the seventh African Union European Union Summit in Luanda.
Ruto said the relationship between the two countries was anchored in shared interests and a common willingness to expand opportunities for their citizens. He added that Nairobi viewed Paris as a reliable partner in security, infrastructure and climate action.
A large part of the discussion focused on the upcoming Africa France Summit, which will be held in Nairobi in May 2026.
The meeting is expected to draw heads of state, business executives, investors, civil society groups, young innovators and creative workers from across the continent and from France.
Kenyan officials argue that the summit offers a chance to reposition Africa as a centre of innovation and talent rather than a passive recipient of investment.
They say Nairobi wants to demonstrate the strength of African enterprises and the growing continental market. France has in recent years sought to adjust its Africa policy after criticism that it has been slow to move away from outdated political habits.
Ruto praised Macron for backing Africa’s longstanding demand to reform the United Nations Security Council.
African governments have pushed for two permanent seats with full voting powers, including the veto. Support from a major European state gives the campaign new visibility at a time when global institutions face rising pressure to reflect demographic and economic shifts.
Kenya and France already cooperate in areas such as urban transport, energy and security. Both sides signalled that they expect the Nairobi summit to deliver new agreements and to strengthen a relationship they insist is increasingly built on mutual respect rather than old assumptions.
