KENYA and France have reached a significant milestone in their bilateral relations with the finalisation of an agreement aimed at upgrading the Nairobi Commuter Railway. The rail network, crucial for transportation in the Kenyan capital and its suburbs, is set to undergo modernisation following the announcement made by officials on Saturday.
‘Kenya is thrilled to announce the securing of a $138.7 million loan from France, marking a pivotal moment in our efforts to modernize the Nairobi metropolitan railway line,’ stated Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs, during a joint press conference held in Nairobi.
Mudavadi emphasised the project’s alignment with Kenya’s sustainable urban development initiatives, stating, ‘This project aligns with Kenya’s sustainable urban development initiatives, aiming to enhance transport services and mobility in the Nairobi metropolitan area.’
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne, who attended the press conference alongside Mudavadi, echoed the sentiment of collaboration and progress. ‘The agreement signifies not only our commitment to enhancing transport infrastructure but also to fostering stronger bilateral ties with Kenya,’ Sejourne remarked.
In addition to the railway upgrades, Mudavadi disclosed plans for joint funding of socio-sports and cultural complexes across Kenya. ‘In collaboration with France, we will co-finance the creation of eight socio-sports and cultural complexes throughout Kenya, amounting to $76.8 million,’ Mudavadi announced.
The partnership between Kenya and France extends beyond infrastructure projects, as both nations reaffirmed their commitment to addressing climate change. ‘We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience through prioritising green growth strategies,’ said Sejourne.
The issue of plastic pollution also received attention during the press conference. ‘We are dedicated to tackling plastic pollution comprehensively, from primary plastic polymers to associated chemicals,’ Mudavadi said. Sejourne reiterated the importance of preserving critical ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and oceans, stressing their role as vital carbon sinks and biodiversity reservoirs.
The finalised agreement between Kenya and France marks a significant step forward in their partnership, encompassing infrastructural development, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.