Risks and rewards in France-Kenya partnership

Kenya is hosting the Africa Forward 2026 summit in partnership with France, marking the first such event outside a Francophone country. France and Kenya have signed a defence cooperation agreement, which includes partnerships in maritime security, intelligence, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. The agreement grants French forces diplomatic-style immunity in Kenya and requires disputes to be resolved through diplomatic channels. Critics warn that the deal favours France and may undermine Kenya's sovereignty, citing France's history of unequal partnerships in West Africa.