• French President Macron said his government will support President Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda
• Beyond infrastructure, the French leader said his administration will today sign seven agreements on education and research.
Image: REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda. He will also help in the construction of a commuter rail service from JKIA to the city centre.
The French leader, who is on a four-day trip of Africa, said his administration was excited by President Kenyatta’s development strategy and would increase areas of partnership to deepen ties.
“I want France to work closely with you (Kenya). That is why tomorrow (today) morning we are going to sign MoUs compliant with this strategy on infrastructure and blue economy growth," Macron said.
Among the projects is the proposed commuter rail service from the (rail) station to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The President spoke during a joint press conference at State House Nairobi where he also emphasised that France would work closely with Kenya to ensure peace and stability in the region.
“I am proud and happy that we are working closely on security, defence, and counter-terrorism to strengthen regional integration and the peace mission in Somalia,” he said.
Macron, who received a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour, spoke in English and said his government has lined up a series of agreements with Kenya.
“What we want to do with the delegation of companies is to be part of your new growth agenda. We have signed a series of agreements that we will tomorrow sign to develop public and private partnerships in order to develop new infrastructure projects,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure, the French leader said his administration will today sign seven agreements on education and research. “We wish to expand our co-operation,” he said.
The two later unveiled the Peugeot 3008, one of the models locally assembled in Kenya by French vehicle manufacturer, PSA Groupe, in a move geared towards boosting Kenya’s manufacturing sector.
Addressing the press at State House, Nairobi, after unveiling the new model of Peugeot, President Kenyatta reiterated his call on all state entities to buy and use locally assembled vehicles and spare parts.
“This policy directive is intended to promote our agenda on manufacturing, creating good jobs for our people, and enhancing technology transfer to our country,” President Kenyatta said during the ceremony that was also attended by Deputy President William Ruto and several cabinet secretaries.
The President emphasized that as part of his administration’s efforts to build a better Kenya with shared prosperity for all under the Big 4 Agenda, manufacturing has been prioritized as one of the critical sectors for wealth and employment creation.
“As part of our agenda to promote manufacturing, my Administration is prioritizing motor vehicle assembly and manufacturing of spare parts,” President Kenyatta pointed out, saying that was the reason why the PSA Groupe, the second largest car manufacturer in Europe, was encouraged to set up their assembly plant in Kenya.
The 1600cc twin turbo SUV is one of Peugeot’s most advanced vehicle models assembled at the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) assembly plant in Thika.
President Kenyatta noted that the Peugeot 3008 is a high-performance vehicle with great fuel consumption and lowest emission in its class.
“It is also a hardy vehicle, having been tested in several parts of Kenya,” President Kenyatta said.
The assembling of Peugeot 3008 SUV commenced in September 2017. Two additional models, the Peugeot 2008 SUV and Peugeot 308SW, are envisaged to commence in April and September 2019. By the end of this year, the PSA Groupe is expected to assemble at least 1,000 vehicles in Kenya, up from the current 480 vehicles.
President Kenyatta said it was encouraging to note that when the KVM plant is fully operational, the PSA Groupe hopes to assemble at least 15,000 vehicles annually in Kenya for both the local and regional markets.
President Macron assured that France is committed to working together with Kenya in several areas of mutual interest among them trade, investment, infrastructure, security and counter-terrorism activities.
“We work very well together but we want to increase the cooperation with Kenya and the region from a security and defense point of view,” President Macron said.
“We do believe that our companies and our investors can be part of the growth strategy of your country by providing not just cars but employment in your country for your people,” President Macron added.
President Kenyatta praised the historic visit by President Macron, the first to Kenya by a French President.
“Mr President, your visit signals our shared commitment to foster our bilateral relations and engagements within the region in various ways which will deepen, expand and strengthen our bonds of friendship and cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” President Kenyatta said.
The Kenyan leader observed that France continued to be one of the most important contributors to Kenya’s tourism sector and expressed optimism that the visit by President Macron will help increase the number of French tourists visiting Kenya.
President Macron is accompanied on his two-day state visit by a large group of businessmen and investors who will be meeting with some of the key government agencies and the private sector players in Kenya to explore opportunities for investment.
“This is good for Kenya and for our development. Today, France is our 17th largest trading partner; my expectation is that France will grow into an even more important trading partner for Kenya as a result of this visit,” President Kenyatta said.