By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 13 May 2026 - Kenya’s push to improve water access and strengthen energy infrastructure has received a fresh boost following French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nairobi, with the government securing new support agreements worth KSh 227 million.
The funding, signed between the National Treasury and France’s development agency, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), will support major water projects in the country, including the Masinga Dam Raising Project and improvements to water supply systems in Kisumu and Eldoret.
“The agreements include €800,000 for the Tana Cascade (Masinga Dam Raising Project) and €700,000 to strengthen water service providers in Kisumu and Eldoret,” the National Treasury stated.
The Masinga project will receive €800,000, equivalent to about KSh 121 million, to help increase storage capacity and stabilise water supply for downstream users.
Another €700,000, estimated at KSh 106 million, has been allocated to improve water service delivery in Kisumu and Eldoret, two rapidly growing cities that have struggled with inconsistent access to clean water.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi signed the agreements alongside representatives from the French development agency during meetings held shortly after the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
At the same time, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held separate discussions with the French delegation on Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage plans, focusing on health financing, quality healthcare access and strengthening medical infrastructure.
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The agreements were signed just hours after Macron concluded his two-day visit to Kenya, where he attended the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted with President William Ruto.
Macron’s visit signalled France’s push to deepen ties beyond its traditional French-speaking African allies, with Nairobi emerging as a key partner in infrastructure, energy and development cooperation.
The summit brought together at least 30 African heads of state and more than 1,500 business leaders and investors.
It ended with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, which organisers described as a move towards “solidarity investment rather than traditional aid.”
The wider France-Africa investment package announced during the summit was valued at €23 billion, with Kenya alone securing 11 agreements worth roughly KSh 129 billion across sectors including infrastructure, agriculture and energy.