Uhuru, Macron to sign deal on JKIA commuter rail

President Uhuru Kenyatta is on Wednesday expected to host his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at Statehouse.

The two leaders are expected to conduct a station tour of the Nairobi Central Railway Station off Haile Selassie Avenue before addressing a joint press conference.

State House said the tour will be conducted by president Uhuru himself accompanied by other key leaders.

“The joint press briefing will focus on the proposed development of commuter rail service to JKIA,” read a statement from State House. Last month French Ambassador Aline Kuster-Menager said Kenya and France are expected to sign several agreements and MoUs covering various subjects of mutual interest between the two countries.

She confirmed that the proposed rapid transit train service between Nairobi Central Business District and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is among projects expected to feature prominently when Uhuru hosts the French leader in Nairobi.

Early this month, Uhuru hosted DRC President Felix Tshisekedi for a two-day official visit that focused on areas of mutual interest and cooperation with a particular emphasis on the role of infrastructure in development on the continent.

The two leaders agreed to deepen trade ties and partnering in areas of mutual benefit.