On July 14, 1789, the French Revolution began with the storming of the Bastille, a symbol of monarchical power. While this event marked a turning point in French history, the revolution’s broader legacy lies in the values it helped shape: Freedom, equality and shared belief in human dignity.
These ideals — embodied in the 1789 French Declaration of Human Rights— helped inspire later global milestones such as the 1948 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Kenya’s national anthem — “Natukae na undugu, amani na uhuru” — and France’s national motto — “liberté, égalité, fraternité” (freedom, equality, fraternity) — reflect a common commitment to these universal principles.
The French Revolution also gave rise to the enlightenment movement – an era where reason, science and human progress were brought forward. These values continue to resonate today and guide our efforts to work together toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
This is at the heart of France’s engagement with Africa. Our partnerships are dedicated to supporting locally-driven priorities – from education and innovation to culture and sports – by investing in areas where communities, and especially young people, are shaping their own futures.
In Kenya, where nearly 70 per cent of its population is under 35, such partnerships remain relevant. Our aim is to help create opportunities and build impactful collaborations – by strengthening connections, supporting local expertise and sharing tools and resources that can reinforce existing efforts.
Since 2015, France has supported more than 150 projects across the country, with investments totaling to €1.8 billion. These ranges from training opportunities – including 536 young Kenyans teaching English in France over the past five years and 76 active university partnerships – to initiatives in health, clean water, transport, energy and entrepreneurship.
We are proud to support programmes like the University of Nairobi’s “Big Five” Silicon Savannah project which promotes innovation in science and engineering, with a focus on youth employability and gender inclusion. In Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret, the “Alliance Françaises” have become dynamic spaces for celebrating creativity, learning and collaboration and have also contributed to assisting in monetising talents.
Addressing future challenges, such as climate change, digital transformation and global health, requires cooperation, not division. These are shared concerns that transcend geography as they demand collective solutions.
The Franco-Kenyan partnership is grounded in mutual respect and a commitment to dialogue. By working together, we can contribute to global efforts — from reforming development finance to supporting equitable systems of international governance.
The upcoming Africa-France Summit, set to take place in Nairobi in 2026, will build on this spirit of collaboration. It aims to deepen partnerships between France and its African counterparts — not through prescriptions, but through joint ambition.
Nairobi — a hub of innovation and regional leadership — is a fitting place to carry this vision forward. As we celebrate Bastille Day, let us be inspired by the energy and creativity of young people shaping a new chapter for our shared future.
Tuungane mikono, Pamoja kazini! — Let’s join hands and work together.
Mr Arnaud is the Ambassador of France to Kenya
By Arnaud Suquet