Kenya is hosting the Africa Forward 2026 summit in partnership with France, the first such event held outside a Francophone country. The summit gathers African leaders and business executives but has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.
Since President William Ruto took office, Kenya has opened up to Western partnerships, positioning itself as the most stable country in the region. France, having lost influence in several former West African colonies, has turned to Kenya.
In April 2026, Kenya and France signed a defense cooperation agreement, preceded by the arrival of 800 French troops in Mombasa for joint exercises. Critics warn that Kenya risks falling under neo-colonial influence, citing France's history of unequal partnerships in West Africa.
The five-year renewable deal covers maritime security, intelligence, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. France has deployed 600 military personnel to Kenya. The agreement grants French forces diplomatic immunity and requires disputes to be resolved through diplomatic channels rather than Kenyan courts.
Critics argue the deal favors France and secures Paris's strategic interests in the Western Indian Ocean. Kenyan politician Nelson Koech denied immunity claims, stating that crimes like murder would be tried in Kenya.
France is Kenya's fourth-largest foreign direct investor, having invested €1.8 billion over the past decade. As of 2026, over 140 French companies operate in Kenya, supporting about 46,000 direct jobs.
However, critics note that while French businesses have easy access to the Kenyan market, Kenyan citizens do not enjoy visa-free entry to France, raising doubts about the partnership's equality. Politician Caleb Hamisi warned that the defense deal could turn Kenya into a proxy in international disputes.
Experts say both sides seek mutually beneficial ties, but the summit may intensify debates over sovereignty and accountability. Kenya has faced political unrest since 2024, and granting France a permanent military presence could further inflame tensions.
Source: www.aljazeera.com