PARIS, France — Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has left for Paris ahead of an official visit as the country prepares to host the Africa-France Summit in May.
Kenya will be the first non-Francophone African nation to host the summit, breaking with a tradition that has seen the event held in France or Francophone African countries since 1973.
Speaking before his departure, Mudavadi said the summit highlights Kenya’s growing influence in Africa.
“This summit signals Kenya’s status as a diplomatic and environmental leader on the continent. It is the culmination of efforts led by President William Ruto to position our country as a hub for Africa,” he said.
During his visit, Mudavadi will meet Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to discuss preparations for the summit.
They are expected to focus on ways to make the event unique, while strengthening trade, education, peace and security, health, climate action, and technological cooperation.
Mudavadi will also sign an agreement with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), formalising cooperation between Kenya and France on development initiatives.
He is scheduled to meet executives from major French companies, including Airbus, Thales, In Groupe, Winwin Afrique, and CFAO, signalling Kenya’s ambition to attract investment across key sectors.
As part of the trip, Mudavadi will visit the Kenyan embassy in Paris and engage with officials at UNESCO, reflecting Kenya’s commitment to international collaboration in education, science, and culture.
Hosting the Africa-France Summit is expected to boost Kenya’s diplomatic standing, strengthen bilateral ties, and attract investment, positioning Nairobi as a continental hub for political and economic engagement.
