Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reassured the diplomatic partners and investors globally that Kenya remains a nation anchored in strong institutions and a progressive Constitution.
He stated that the government of Kenya remains firmly committed to upholding constitutional principles and the rule of law in promoting democratic governance and national unity.
Mudavadi stated that Kenya has continued to enjoy strong bilateral and multilateral partnerships, actively engaging with states and governments within a shared framework of mutual respect and collaboration.
“Our strong bilateral partnerships are grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development. We are therefore reaffirming our commitment as a government to providing and maintaining a stable and predictable environment for investment and collaboration,” he said.
“The government respects and commits to affirm the will of the Kenyan people, keeping in mind that our Constitution, adopted through a national referendum with over 70% public approval,” stated the Prime CS.
Mudavadi, the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, reiterated that the Kenyan Constitution of 2010 commits the government to nurturing and protecting the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and the nation at large. At no point will the government promote any form of populism to circumvent the will of the citizens.
As a stable democracy, Mudavadi emphasised that Kenya has consistently held regular elections every five years, in full accordance with the constitutional provisions, citing the recent reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, IEBC, as a further assurance and commitment to democratic governance and institutional integrity.
“While recent events on June 25 and July 7 presented challenges, they have strengthened our commitment to the rule of law and national progress. The Government of Kenya continues to defend the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, demonstration and picketing under Article 37, while in equal measure, firmly upholding the principle that such actions must remain non-violent and unarmed. We do not want to lose any more lives,” noted Mudavadi.
Mudavadi said this when he presided over the 145th anniversary of the French National Day, commonly known as Bastille Day, designated as France’s national holiday in 1880, at the invitation of the French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, at the French Embassy in Nairobi.
He noted that Kenya appreciates and enjoys the Kenya-France commitment to further build a strong bilateral partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared values to sustainable development with a cooperation that spans key sectors, including infrastructure, energy, education, cultural exchange, trade, and regional diplomacy.
“Today, as we gather in recognition of the 14th of July, we are reminded not only of an important chapter in France’s history, but also of a timeless triumph of liberty over oppression. On behalf of His Excellency President William Ruto, the Government, and the people of Kenya, I extend warm greetings and congratulations to His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron and the great people of France,” he said.
“Bastille Day reminds us of the strength of national solidarity, the collective resolve of people united in purpose, and a relentless commitment to democracy. These ideals are cherished by both France and Kenya in their quest to create a more just, resilient, and inclusive world.” he added.
The Prime CS acknowledged France’s commitment to the establishment of a state-of-the-art Science and Engineering Complex at the University of Nairobi, further noting that French remains one of the first and widely taught foreign languages in Kenyan schools.
“Since 2015, France has supported more than 150 projects in Kenya, representing a total investment of 1.8 billion Euros, and what truly matters are the lives touched, the names behind each initiative and the stories they carry,” noted French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Saquet.
“We are proud to support the University of Nairobi’s Big 5 Silicon Savanna project, an initiative promoting science and engineering through innovation. With a strong focus on new forms of employability and gender inclusion. We are creating vibrant spaces for learning, cultural exchange and artistic expression.” Added Saquet.
Mudavadi said the growing trade ties between Kenya and France have been further strengthened by the signing of the Kenya–European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
“Of great significance to us is the fact that Kenya and France will co-host the Africa-France Summit in Nairobi in 2026, marking the first time that the Summit has been hosted in a non-Francophone African country.
This milestone presents a unique opportunity for our two nations to spearhead new conversations on Africa’s role in the global economy,” noted Mudavadi.
“Preparations are well underway and progressing steadily, as evidenced by the presence here today of President Macron’s Africa Advisor and the Secretary General of the Summit.
France’s confidence in Kenya’s capability to co-host this pivotal event speaks volumes,” he added.
Mudavadi also said Kenya welcomes France’s partnership and support in advancing peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region, including through its support for UN peacekeeping missions and the African Union, noting that France’s influence as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council promotes a key-led stabilisation initiative.
Present were Jeremie Robert, Africa Advisor to His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, Ambassador Jeremie Blin, Secretary General of the Africa-France Summit and Ababu Namwamba, the Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the United Nations Office, Nairobi, among a host of French nationals and friends in Kenya.
