Mudavadi heads to Paris ahead of Africa–France Summit

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi left the country on Saturday for an official visit to Paris, where he is expected to hold a series of high-level diplomatic engagements with the French government and the private sector.

According to the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s long-standing bilateral relations with France.

The Kenya–France partnership has evolved from aid-driven cooperation to broader collaboration in areas including trade, education, peace and security, health, climate action, and technological innovation.

Kenya is set to host the Africa–France Summit in May, becoming the first non-Francophone African nation to do so since the forum was launched in 1973.

The Nairobi summit is expected to bring together more than 5,000 delegates, including heads of state and government, private sector leaders, international organisations, civil society representatives, and global media.

Officials described the choice of Nairobi as a major diplomatic milestone and a recognition of Kenya’s growing influence.

“The summit signals Kenya’s status as a diplomatic and environmental leader in Africa,” the statement said.

“It is the culmination of efforts by the country, led by President William Ruto, to position Kenya as the continent’s hub.”

During the visit, Mudavadi will meet his French counterpart, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, for bilateral talks focused on preparations for the May summit.

He is also expected to sign a cooperation agreement between Kenya and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

His itinerary includes meetings with representatives from Medef and several major French companies, including Airbus, Thales, In Groupe, Winwin Afrique, and CFAO, as part of efforts to deepen economic and investment ties.

The Prime CS will also meet staff at Kenya’s embassy in Paris and officials at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), continuing the tradition of engaging with Kenyan diplomats during official missions.