Kenya and France have signed a major partnership agreement aimed at modernising the country’s meteorological infrastructure and strengthening climate forecasting systems.
The agreement between the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) and Meteo France International (MFI) was signed at State House Nairobi during bilateral talks between President William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron.
President Ruto said the partnership reflects the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and France.
“Kenya and France have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1963. We continue to deepen this partnership in areas of shared interest for the benefit of the people of both nations,” said President Ruto.
Strengthening Climate and Weather Forecasting
Under the agreement, Kenya is set to upgrade its weather observation networks, forecasting systems, climate data infrastructure and flood risk management capabilities.
The partnership is expected to improve the accuracy of weather forecasting and enhance early warning systems critical for agriculture, disaster preparedness and environmental management.
President Ruto noted that the agreement forms part of a broader cooperation framework signed between the two nations.
“At State House Nairobi, held talks with President Emmanuel Macron of France, and witnessed the signing of 11 instruments between our two nations,” he said.
Broader Kenya-France Cooperation
The Head of State said the agreements signed cover several strategic sectors aimed at accelerating Kenya’s economic transformation and climate resilience efforts.
“The agreements cover key sectors, including the modernisation of the Nairobi Central Station to Embakasi Rail Line 5, promotion of Kenya’s premium purple tea, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and the Masinga Dam project development,” President Ruto stated.
He added that climate and technology cooperation remain key pillars of the partnership between Nairobi and Paris.
“Other areas of cooperation include modernisation of meteorological services, sustainable aviation fuel production, digital transformation, expansion of container terminal capacity at our ports, and the blue economy and fisheries,” he said.
Africa Forward Summit
President Ruto also welcomed the decision to host the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, saying it reflects strengthening relations between the two countries.
“The decision to host the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, for the first time in a non-Francophone country, is a strong affirmation of the growing ties between our two countries,” he said.
“The summit marks a significant step towards a more balanced, action-oriented and results-driven partnership.”
Building Climate Resilience
Officials said the weather modernisation programme will support Kenya’s response to extreme climate events such as floods and droughts that have increasingly affected communities and economic activities.
The project is also expected to involve technology transfer and capacity building for Kenyan meteorological experts.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Kenyan and French governments, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and Meteo France International.
