france in kenya - Ambassade de France au Kenya

france in kenya
1 France in Kenya

Cover photo credits
Elders in Lamu, by Cyrille Le Déaut, November 2007
Nairobi, view from French Embassy, by Rémi Langlois, April 2009
When a train gives life to eyes, by JR, Kibera, Nairobi, January 2009
Fields of tea in the Nandi Hills, by Cyrille Le Déaut, February 2009
France in Kenya
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SUMMARY
French interest in an African regional capital
Supporting Kenya’s development
Cooperating in enhancing opportunities for the future
Enhancing our economic relations
Promoting French presence in Kenya
Playing host to an active community
Addresses of French institutions in Kenya
3 France in Kenya

France in Kenya
4

Editorial
It is my pleasure to introduce the new edition of ‘France in Kenya’ in which you will discover the diversity and the dynamism of the French
presence in this country.
Elisabeth BARBIER,
French Ambassador to Kenya
We already have more than 1,200 members of the French community living in Kenya in 2009. This number comprises not only diplomats, but
also doctors, researchers, economists, students, businessmen, engineers, artists… a blend that brings France alive in Kenya. That is what you
will discover while leafing through these pages.
The French presence in this country is also a sign of the very strong links between Kenya and France, based on values shared by our two
countries: democracy, peace, freedom of expression, entrepreneurship and cultural diversity.
Whether you are Kenyan, French or a citizen of the world living here, I hope that ‘France in Kenya’ will enlighten you on the existing constructive
partnership between our two countries, which aims at highlighting the immense potential of Kenya and contributing in one way or another
towards Kenya’s fight against poverty.
5 France in Kenya

French interest in an African regional capital
Wangari Maathai with
French President
Nicolas Sarkozy in
Paris on the occasion
of the “Grenelle de
l’environnement”
(October 2007)
Kenya has a strategic position within East Africa; it hosts the headquarters of two
United Nations programs and it has traditionally been a mediator in peace talks
concerning its neighbours. Kenya is fast becoming one of the leading countries on the
African continent. France sees Kenya therefore as an important diplomatic partner.
In view of this, French diplomacy is active in Kenya, not only in its typical bilateral
dimension, but also in the field of regional and multilateral diplomacy.
A partner in dialogue
Over the years, a constructive dialogue has been established between our two
countries. This permanent dialogue is sustained on a daily basis through contact
between the Ambassador and her team, with the local authorities (Ministers, Members
of Parliament as well as representatives of Civil Society), and it enables the parties to
share ideas on national, regional and global issues as varied as water management
or cultural diversity.
These discussions are important since Kenya is a key interlocutor on African issues:
Kenya is one of the first contributors of African contingents in peace keeping
operations deployed on the African continent by the United Nations. It has also played
a leading role in peace negotiations in Southern Sudan,
Somalia and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Examples of this dialogue can be found in events such
as the visit to Paris by the 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate
Wangari Maathai in October 2007 through an invitation
Prime Minister Raila
Odinga and Alain
Joyandet, French
Secretary of State
for Cooperation
and Francophony,
Kibera, May 2008.
by the President of the Republic of France to participate in the “Grenelle de
l’environnement”, a national debate on environment. In 2008, Kenneth Marende,
Speaker of Kenya’s Parliament and Najib Balala, Minister of Tourism, officially visited
France, while Alain Joyandet, Secretary of State for Cooperation and Francophony,
and Rama Yade, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights, came to
Kenya. Since 2003 not less than 25 Kenyan Ministers have made an official visit to
Paris, while several members of the French Government have visited Kenya.
An established multilateral presence
Nairobi is one of the four headquarters of the UN, the only one in a developing
country. In this regard, the French Embassy also undertakes the role of Permanent
Representation to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United
Nations Program for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat).
France in Kenya
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Within the UN-Habitat, France, together with other partners,
has in particular encouraged the initiative on ‘basic services’
(i.e. the minimum necessary for decent living), a project which
was officially launched in April 2005. Our country also supports
a project to set up a global observatory on decentralization, so
as to disseminate the best practices in this important field for
local democracy.
For a long time, France has been convinced that the
environment sector does not receive the attention it deserves
at the international level. France is the fifth biggest contributor
to the UNEP budget (Sh.391M in 2007), and actively supports
its development. This program needs to enhance its visibility
and its activity, notably concerning the scientific assessment
in order to mobilize the actors on environmental risks, and
to pursue its role in developing international legislation for
environmental protection, while at the same time helping
developing countries better to include environment in their
development policies.
Moreover, France initiated reforms on the status of UNEP so as
to enable it to effectively undertake its responsibilities. France,
as many countries (and notably the European Union), supports
the strengthening of the UNEP and, more generally, of the
International Environmental Governance (IEG).
The European Union – an action lever for
France
The European Commission Delegation in Kenya is the second
largest in the world.
The European Union is one of the major donor agencies in
Kenya and France is the 2nd biggest contributor to the 10th
European Fund for Development.
France and member states of the European Union hold monthly
meetings where they discuss how to coordinate their diplomatic
activities and their support to development projects, and hold
regular discussions with their Kenyan partners on important
issues (governance, constitutional process, decentralization).
Military cooperation to promote peace
Under the aegis of the French Ministry of
Defence and the Directorate of Military and
Defence Cooperation, as one of the branches of
the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the French
Military Mission in Nairobi focuses significant
efforts on offering specific military support to
Kenyan armed forces.
For instance, due to an increasing involvement of
Kenya in the UN peace keeping operations within the French
speaking countries in Africa, French language has been taught
since 2002 to some members of Kenyan Armed Forces. The
relevance of such an initiative has been confirmed any time
Kenyan officers are deployed as observers in UN peace
keeping missions such as in DRC or Darfur along with other
African francophone officers.
More than 50 Kenyan officers, non commissioned officers and
defence civil servants, male and female, benefit annually from
this teaching program, which takes place in specific premises
renovated by the Military Mission for this purpose within
the Armed Forces School for Higher Education in Langata
French Defence attaché,
Colonel Esposti (at the
centre) and Colonel
Akhulya (on his right),
director of the Armed
Forces School for Higher
Education surrounded by
training personnel and
students.
Barracks, Nairobi. Senior officers also have the
opportunity to participate in exchange programs
with high level French Institute such as the Joint
Staff College or the Institute for Higher National
Defense Studies, both in Paris.
The Military Mission has set up regular exchange
programs between the French Naval Forces and
their Kenyan counterparts. Thus, French naval
ships’ calls in Mombasa present unique opportunities during
which our Navy and our Kenyan partners can share their
know-how and experiences. Whenever it is possible, young
Kenyan Navy Officers are welcomed on board the French ships
to train their skills with their French colleagues at sea.
The military mission is also committed to enhancing the peace
and security architecture developed within African Union
project of building up peace-keeping stand-by forces in every
region of Africa. The Eastern Brigade which is going to be set
up in this specific framework is partly established in Karen and
mainly supported by international donors including France.
7 France in Kenya

Supporting Kenya’s Development
A reticulated giraffe in
Meru National Park
The inclusion of Kenya in the Solidarity Priority Zone (SPZ) saw the establishment
of a regional agency in Nairobi in 1997. The agency covers Kenya, Tanzania,
Uganda and Burundi.
The Partnership Framework Document signed in Nairobi, in 2006, defines the
main areas of AFD’s intervention and the modalities of the Franco-Kenyan
cooperation for the period 2006 -2010. This is also in line with priority sectors in
the framework of the Kenyan government’s strategy for poverty eradication. These
areas of intervention are focused in the access to basic infrastructure (electricity,
roads, water and sanitation in particular), and environment through biodiversity
conservation and climate change related activities. An inflexion towards integrated
urban development projects is on progress in order to promote the development
of inclusive, efficient and sustainable cities. AFD has to date committed 491 Million
Euros for projects in Kenya in various sectors: water and sanitation 27%, energy
(including climate) 45%, roads 17%, financial sector 7%, environment 3%
and others (studies and technical assistance) 1%.
The Past
AFD has in the past financed several projects which included soft loans for the
Rehabilitation of Infrastructure destroyed during the El Nino rains in 1998 (28
M€), the Rural Electrification Programme phase 1 in Western Kenya in collaboration
with the Ministry of Energy and Kenya Power and Lighting Corporation (KPLC)
(9,2M€) and the Rehabilitation of the Meru National Park (8,2 M€) accompanied
by a grant of 1,8 M€ from the Fonds Français de l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM),
implemented by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) which constituted the restoration
of wildlife, biodiversity and socio-economic security of the conservation area.
The Present
AFD’s activities currently include the financing of the Rehabilitation of the
Maai-Mahiu/Narok Road (18 M€), a project co-financed with KfW, the German
development agency. This project will see the rehabilitation of a 90km stretch which
will allow for penetration into the western part of the country and more significantly
access to Masai Mara game reserve. Another project in the Roads sector is the
participation in the financing of the Roads 2000 programme to the tune of 20
M€. In the water sector, AFD is financing two major projects: the Kisumu Water
and Sanitation Project (20 M€) and the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Emergency
Physical Investments Programme (30 M€). These projects have been conceived
to be implemented in parallel with the ongoing Water Sector Institutional Reform. A
similar project for Mombasa (40 M€), which was approved by AFD’s Board at the
end of 2008, has just been formalised and should start in the next weeks.
In the Energy sector, as a follow up to a successful first phase of the Rural
Electrification project, the second phase is ongoing with an investment of 30 M€.
The project targets 6 provinces in Kenya with the main aim of allowing extension
of medium and low voltage electrical networks to connect identified economic
and social customers (tea processing plants, markets, farms, fishing factories,
schools and health centres). AFD is also part of the Energy Sector Recovery
Project through a financing of 25M€. The rehabilitation of major sub-stations in
the Mombasa region and in Nairobi, will allow considerable upgrade of electricity
services in terms of quantity and quality for the benefit of all consumers. AFD is
also highly committed in the transmission sector with the funding of the Nairobi-
Mombasa 400kV line at a level of 60 M€. It will allow transfer of power produced
at the Coast to Nairobi and the Western provinces and thus improve reliability of
France in Kenya
8

Olkaria II geothermal
power distribution for more than 700 000
power-plant, KenGen
customers. AFD is working, as well, in the
in Naivasha
development of geothermal power through
the Olkaria II 3rd Unit funding, together with EIB and World
Bank to the tune of 20 M€, directly lent to KenGen. To support
the Ministry of Energy and reinforce its position as a major
donor of the sector, AFD is also financing a technical assistance
to the Ministry of Energy that should be in place in July 2009.
In the Environment sector, AFD is financing a project for Solid
and Waste Management in Nakuru and Mombasa (around
17 M€) to assist the Ministry of Local Government to define
and implement sustainable methods for the management of
solid waste in both towns. In addition, a pilot operation for
Rehabilitating the ecosystem of the Aberdare forests is ongoing
with the NGO Green Belt Movement of Prof. Wangari
Maathai (1.3M€ grant). The goal is to rehabilitate 3000 ha
of forest through the planting of indigenous species by the
local communities and thus restore the watershed hydrological
services.
In the Microfinance sector, AFD is extending
a 10M€ credit line to the Government for
on-lending to Micro Finance Institutions
A section of Kieni
Forest in the
Aberdares
and Savings and Credit Cooperatives Organisations through
wholesaler banks. AFD has also guaranteed (up to 75% -
interest and capital) a bond issued by a microfinance institution
for a maximum amount of 6M€. AFD is also providing grants
for the financing of studies and technical assistance in its key
sectors or to finance modest projects having a major impact. In
addition to these, AFD has two major technical assistants at the
Ministry of Finance. As the second largest bilateral donor of
the Global Fund against AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, France
attaches a great importance to the good implementation of
the projects financed with the resources of the Global Fund.
AFD has therefore provided an international technical expert to
support the Kenyan Global Fund unit.
The other technical expert is to support the Ministry of Finance
in the establishment of a micro-finance unit at the Ministry.
AFD is also chairing the donors coordination group in the
energy sector.
The Future
AFD is in the process of looking at the possibility of financing
a project in the urban development sector in Kisumu through
capacity building for financial management and urban planning
and through investment in infrastructure. In the energy sector,
AFD is looking at the interconnection between Kenya and Ethiopia
that would allow Eastern Africa to get access to cheap and
climate friendly power resources (Ethiopian hydroelectricity).
Following the government of Kenya priorities, additional support
to the development of geothermal sector and other renewable
energy is being looked in the water and sanitation sector, AFD
should provide additional funding to extend systems in Kisumu
and Nairobi (51 M€). It is also studying the way to finance
medium and small towns’ water and sanitation systems. In the
environment sector, AFD is working towards the identification of
a conservation programme in Marsabit protected areas and the
Samburu-Isiolo-Marsabit corridor. In addition, AFD is working
with Kenya Airports Authority to contribute in the upgrading
and expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It
could also provide a soft loan to a private non-profit hospital for
expanding its health facilities.
PROPARCO
AFD’s subsidiary, PROPARCO, specializes in private sector
financing. Its role is to stimulate private investments. In Kenya,
Proparco has committed Sh14.7 Billion in various projects.
Proparco, in conjunction with AFD, will keep on pursuing an
investment strategy which targets economic growth and
promotes best practices in environmental, social and corporate
governance fields in Kenya.
9 France in Kenya

Cooperating in enhancing opportunities for the future
The Alliances
Françaises in Kenya:
Eldoret, Mombasa,
Nairobi
Development of cultural diversity in all aspects
France supports artistic and cultural development in Kenya in various
domains including music, film, literature, performing and visual arts, through
the Alliance Française network, the backbone of her cultural cooperation. A
strong advocate for cultural diversity, France continues to work with local and
international organizations promoting cultural heritage that contributes to mutual
understanding and social cohesion as well as economic and human development.
Alliance Française de Nairobi remains a window to cross-cultural dialogue, offering
a dynamic programme of activities that covers the spectrum of the Arts and
availing opportunities to local and international artists to showcase their creativity.
Alliance Française de Mombasa and Eldoret continue to broaden their sphere of
cultural activities.
The transmission of RFI (Radio France Internationale) on FM frequencies in Nairobi
(89.9) and in Mombasa (105.5) since 2005 has exposed the Kenyan public to a
language spoken in 63 countries and to Francophone cultures around the world.
“Bonjour Culture”, a locally produced cultural radio program is transmitted on RFI
every Thursday at 8.30pm. It is both an informative journal on cultural happenings
in Kenya and a unique radio show offering the best of world music.
French expertise in the cultural and audiovisual sectors is shared with the Ministries
for National Heritage and Culture and Information and Communications through
facilitation of technical assistance in order to strengthen policies and institutional
capacities for the development of these sectors.
Cultural
activities at
the Alliance
Française de
Nairobi
France in Kenya
10

A common long-term project : research and
higher education
France’s objective in the field of research is to establish a
long-term cooperation between the scientific teams of the
two countries in order to enhance the capacities of local
researchers. Currently, Kenya provides a base for three French
research centres: IFRA (French Institute for Research in Africa)
as well as local branches of CIRAD (International Agricultural
Research Centre for Development) and IRD (Research
Institute for Development) which in total, host eleven resident
researchers and two resident grant holders.
Moreover, several exchange agreements bind together
institutes of research, Kenyan universities and French
universities in the fields of Chemistry, Social Sciences,
Linguistics and Archaeology. A memorandum of understanding
between the Kenyan Ministry of Higher Education, Science
and Technology (MoHEST), the French institutes of research
based in Kenya (CIRAD, IRD, IFRA) and the Embassy of France
is to be signed mid 2009.
The French Embassy also supports Kenyan students by
awarding PhD scholarships in France, by organizing local
training sessions conducted by experts from France and by
financing Franco-Kenyan research works.
Promotion of the French language: opening
doors to the world
French is the 1st foreign language taught in Kenya.
Approximately 20,000 pupils in 330 secondary schools across
the country are learning the French language. In 2008, 2,215
students sat for the French language exam at the Kenya
Certificate of Secondary Education examinations.
The Alliance Française network on its own has 5,000 students
learning the French language in its centers in Nairobi (which
enjoys the reputation of being the largest in numbers in
Africa), Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu. A complete catalogue
of courses, certificates and diplomas has been developed to
satisfy the expectations of the various categories of Kenyans
learning the language. Furthermore, with a rising demand
for French for professional purposes, the Alliance Française
is broadening the scope of courses offered to meet the
requirements of the professional sector (+20% in 2008).
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Kenya
Association of Teachers of French, France provides sustained
support in the education sector. This cooperation is principally
undertaken by the Linguistic Cooperation Department,
currently incorporated with Alliance Française, and covers:
Continuous training of teachers (training organized in
France and in Kenya, distance-learning programme);
Provision of teaching materials to schools;
Organization of Francophone events
promoting the French language
(Franco-Fun TV-show, theater festival,
French days…).
The Alliance
Française de
Nairobi multi
media library
Support to small projects and to institutional
innovations
France also supports Kenya’s development through a special
grant program called “the Social Fund for Development” (SFD).
SFD was created in 2001 to contribute to poverty reduction
strategies by co-financing small projects that improve the living
conditions of the most disadvantaged groups in society. The
projects funded by SFD cover a broad range of sectors that
are essential to the country’s development (education, water
and sanitation, health, culture, environment, human rights,
governance…) and encourage local populations, in particular
women, to take part in the process. An increasing part of SFD
is dedicated to innovative projects, trying to find new solutions
to the challenges faced by the communities.
The Cooperation and Cultural Service of the French Embassy
contributes to the enhancement of governance in Kenya
through support for reform of the judiciary and penitentiary
system, developing paralegal clinics to assist remand
prisoners and promoting community services in substitution
of incarceration.
So far, SFD has funded 54 projects for a cumulative sum of
1 380 600€. Depending on the type of project, SFD can
contribute up to 50 000€, the average grant being 27 000€.
Distribution of projects per sector
as a % of total financing
Access to water
and agriculture
22%
Human development
49%
Others
29%
11 France in Kenya

Enhancing our economic relations
France stands as an important partner to Kenya. In 2007,
France was the 16th destination for Kenyan products
absorbing 1.3% of Kenya’s exports and the 11th supplier of
products to Kenya representing 2.7% of Kenya’s imports. Note
that Kenya remains the biggest partner of France in Eastern
Africa both in terms of trade and investments.
2008, an unbalanced trade
In 2008, trade relations between France and Kenya stabilized.
Our exports to Kenya slightly decreased by 8% to stand at
168 M€ while our imports from Kenya rose to 83 M€. The
trade balance stood at 72.2 M€ in favour of France. One has
to stress, however that a sizeable part of Kenyan exports to
France are considered as exports to Netherlands (flowers).
Today, France imports more than 45% of value added products
from Kenya against 55% of gross agricultural products. This
is a reflection of the modernization of the country. Being
the most industrialized country in East Africa, Kenya plays
an important role and accounts for a huge share in regional
trade with its neighbors. This position also allows the country
to export mainly agricultural and agro-industrial products to
the developed world.
2008 was a good year for French exports to Kenya, even if
they have been decreasing of 8%, they still have reached
156 M€. At the European level, in 2008, France stands at
the fourth position behind the United Kingdom (278 M€),
Germany (257 M€) and Italy (226 M€). All our major export
items, with the exception of car industry products, intermediate
goods and energy products, grew positively. Our main exports
items are made up of intermediate goods (35% of French
export to Kenya), professional equipments goods (32 %),
pharmaceutical products (11%), exceptional exports of fishes
and shellfishes (10%).
4%
10%
42%
8%
Nature of French imports
36%
Vegetables, fruits, roots
Prepared vegetables, fruits
Cut flowers and plants
Coffee, tea, spices
Others
A meeting of the
Kenyan-French
Business Club
11%
10%
35%
Nature of French exports
6%
38%
Machinery
Intermediate goods
Pharmaceutical products
Fishes and shellfishes products
Others
A growing mutual interest
Four high level delegations visited France in 2008. On July,
the Minister for Tourism visited Paris in order to re-establish
French Tourism confidence towards Kenya, eroded by the postelectoral
violence. Mid-August, a team from the Ministries of
Finance and Transport visited Le Havre port. In September, the
Ministry of Immigration visited France. In November, experts
from Kenya Railways Corporation went to Paris.
In 2007, more than 50 000 French tourists had come to Kenya,
retaining the 5th position for foreign visitors.
In September 2008, The French Embassy’s Economic
Department, together with French Foreign Trade Advisers,
launched the Kenyan-French Business Club in order to gather
French and Kenyan businessmen. Those meetings take place
once every two month during lunches followed by a presentation
of a leading figure regarding a current topic.
All these efforts are aimed at achieving the same goal:
reconfirm East Africa in general and Kenya in particular as real
partners with Europe and France. Kenya is the gateway to the
East African region.
France in Kenya
12

Promoting French presence in Kenya
An attractive potential for French entrepreneurs
Endowed with a highly skilled workforce and a healthy macroeconomic
environment (a stable currency, low inflation
and prudent budgetary policy), Kenya represents a real
opportunity for French companies seeking to take advantage
of the regional market of the EAC, Kenya being the driving
force in this market.
With an economy that is expanding regularly, its geo-strategic
position and an important international airport as a regional
hub, Kenya proves its attractiveness, in spite of some persistent
problems which are still hindering investments.
The interest French companies have shown in Kenya is evident:
among all the French companies having a subsidiary in East
Africa, nearly half of them are based in Nairobi and most of
them have a regional mandate.
A fruitful partnership
On the investment side, figures are improving quite substantially.
French investments in Kenya exceed 550 million Euros (Sh.55
billion), which translates to 10 000 jobs created for Kenyans
in various sectors like banking, IT, transport, construction,
energy, horticulture, etc. France now ranks among the leading
foreign investors in Kenya. The buyout at the end of 2007 by
a consortium lead by France Telecom of 51% shareholding
in Telkom Kenya was just but one step in fostering this trend.
French companies, or companies with French capital, are also
well represented at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) with
13% of the NSE total capitalization.
In December 2007, two bilateral agreements were signed to
facilitate both trade and investments between the two countries.
The first convention is a framework for regulating the reciprocal
promotion and protection of investments between Kenya and
France while the second allows the countries to avoid double
taxation and prevent tax evasion with respect to income tax for
persons who are residents of one or both Contracting States.
First class French investments
Most French companies with interests in Kenya are present in
high-visibility sectors, and are among the major employers in
the country: Total Kenya Ltd is one of the leading companies
in the distribution and sale of petroleum products, employing
almost 1 300 workers. It has a network of 100 service stations
across the country (this number should increase with the
purchase of the Caltex network), resulting in a significant
amount of direct French investments in Kenya. Bamburi
Cement, a subsidiary of Lafarge Group has a staff of 1 100
and operates in the construction sector. French companies
such as Alcatel-Lucent and ID Matics, a subsidiary of Thales,
the company that contributed to the new generation national
ID cards project, are also playing an important role in the
development of the telecommunications sector.
The transport sector in particular has
a number of companies of French
origin: Air France Cargo, CMA-CGM,
SDV-TRANSAMI and AGS World Wide
A factory of Power
Technics, importer
and licensed
manufacturer of
Schneider Electric
products
Movers. In the electrical sector, Schneider Electric in partnership
with Power Technics, manufactures locally electrical equipment,
while Nexans has partnered with East African Cables who
manufacture cables locally. In the agricultural sector, Bonduelle,
Bolloré and BIGOT Flowers are among the leading stakeholders
in the country. In the pharmaceutical sector, SANOFI-AVENTIS
and CFAO, via its subsidiary Europharma-Laborex, are present
in Kenya. In the automobile sector as well, D.T. Dobie (acquired
by CFAO in 2000) is the distributorship for Nissan, Renault
and Mercedes whereas Michelin has an extensive network of
distributors countrywide.
In the banking sector, Bank of Africa Group is expanding its
network in Kenya and has Proparco (AFD group) as one of
the major shareholders. Other companies which are present in
the Kenyan market include: Seureca, Sogea-Satom, Areva T&D,
BCEOM, Peugeot, Bureau Veritas, amongst which Alstom and
EDF, participate regularly in international tender bids in their
areas of competence.
In the telecommunication sector, with the recent arrival of
France Telecom, and the launching of its mobile service
Orange, competition in the mobile telecommunications sector
went a notch higher.
Major development stakeholders in Kenya
In establishing their presence in Kenya, French companies
and in particular the major groups, have demonstrated their
willingness to participate in socioeconomic development
of Kenya: Total Eco Challenge in conjunction with regional
authorities have spearheaded a tree-planting project across
Kenya.
Bamburi which boasts of a rehabilitated nature park in Mombasa
participates in the protection of fauna in its natural habitat in
collaboration with the World Wild Fund in the conservation of
biodiversity in Kenya’s forestry.
13 France in Kenya

Playing host to an active community
A youthful and active French community
The French community in Kenya, comprising more than 1,200 members, is made
up of a youthful and dynamic group. Indeed, 30% of the members of this
community are aged below 18 years, most of the French residents having come
to Kenya with their families. In addition, the majority of this community consists of
people who are between 30 and 50 years old and have come to Kenya to work. On
average, their stay lasts between 1 and 3 years.
The Lycée Denis Diderot: Excellence in learning in French
The Lycée Denis
Diderot
An independent educational institution and member of a unique worldwide system
covering 410 schools approved by the Ministry of National Education of France,
the Lycée Denis Diderot in Nairobi hosts around 470 students from 54 different countries every year.
The Lycée Denis Diderot thus symbolizes an assembly of talents around high quality French education
which, from nursery school to baccalaureate level, prepares its students to join French universities.
An open window for the two countries
The French community in Kenya is largely made up of people used to staying in
foreign countries while maintaining a deep attachment to their country, France.
This is mainly shown in two ways:
- First and foremost through the French Embassy and more specifically
the department that serves French nationals, which is an indispensable
intermediary between French nationals and between French expatriates
and those in transit (tourists, trainees) and the government of France. This
department is mainly concerned with registry matters, renewal of identification
papers, and distribution of social assistance or consular services.
- Secondly, through associations performing different roles which together
contribute to the cohesion of this community and to the solidarity between its
members, while ensuring a strong connection with France.
The AFE (l’Assemblée des Français à l’Étranger - the Assembly of French People
Abroad) is the political representative organ for the two million French people
residing abroad and the spokesperson for the Government, Embassies and
Consuls on matters related to expatriation. It is composed of 150 representatives
elected by universal suffrage as well as 12 senators, 20 qualified people and
a representative of the French people of Andorra. The constituency of Nairobi
covers 5 countries (Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania).
Two associations present candidates for the election of representatives for the
AFE: ADFE-Français du Monde (French People of the world) founded in 1980
and UFE - Union des Français de l’Etranger (the Union of French People Abroad),
founded in 1927, and its Kenyan branch, UFK, launched in 1981.
There are other associations in Kenya which contribute to the dynamism and to the
cohesion of the French community.
Nairobi Accueil is associated with the Fédération Internationale des Accueils français
et francophones à l’Étranger – (International Federation for the Orientation of
French people and French speakers Abroad). The aim of this association is to assist
new arrivals by providing them contacts and useful information and to organizing
various activities (sporting events, leisure activities, visits, outings etc.)
France in Kenya
14

Lastly, the Association de Solidarité des Français au Kenya – (Association of
Solidarity of French people in Kenya) founded in 2001 has the objective of helping
French people in great difficulty to whom social assistance cannot be provided by
the consulate. This help can be financial (donations or loans) or administrative.
Associations Contacts :
ADFE Français du Monde
Contact : Christian Caldara
abbistro@kenyaweb.com
0735 49 19 15
ASFK (Association de Solidarité des Français au Kenya)
Contact: Betty Robin
gbrobinnairobi@gmail.com
0733 62 08 23
Karibuni Kenya!
This guide, “Welcome to Kenya”, contains all the necessary information
required to settle successfully in Kenya, from social security cover to
schooling for children and much more with chapters like “Going out” or
“Shopping”. Its publication has been coordinated by the AFE delegate,
Christine Auclair. Editing of this guide is done with help from French and
French speakers associations in Kenya and advertisers within the region.
The guide is distributed free of charge to French residents in Kenya. It
can be found on the following website: www.karibuniafrique.org.
Launch of the
last edition of
the “Karibuni
Kenya” guide in
January 2009
Nairobi Accueil
Contact : France Laafia- Mérour
flaafia@yahoo.fr
0737 11 45 71
UFE (Union des Français de l’Etranger)
Contact: Betty Robin
gbrobinnairobi@gmail.com
0733 62 08 23
15 France in Kenya

Addresses of French institutions in Kenya
Ambassade de France (Chancery, Consular section
and department of cooperation and cultural affairs)
Barclays Plaza, 9th Floor
P.O. Box 41 784 - 00100 Nairobi
Tel. (20) 277 80 00 Fax. (20) 277 81 80
Email : ambafrance.nairobi@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Web site : www.ambafrance-ke.org
Agence française de développement (AFD/PROPARCO)
Royal Insurance House, Hospital road
PO Box 45955 – 00100 Nairobi
Tel. 271 12 34 – 271 84 52/57. Fax. 271 79 88
Email : nairobi@afd.fr
Web site: www.afd.fr
Alliances Françaises
Nairobi
Monrovia/Loita Streets
P.O. Box : 49475 – 00100 Nairobi
Tel. 34 00 54 / 34 00 79. Fax. 31 52 07
Email : info@alliancefrnairobi.org
Web site : www.afkenya.org
Mombasa
Moi Avenue – Kwa Shibu Road
P.O. Box 99544 – Mombasa
Tel / Fax. (041) 222 50 48
Email : afmba@africaonline.co.ke
Eldoret
P.O. Box 4884, 30100 - Eldoret
Tel. (053) 203 04 24
Email: administrator@afeldoret.org
Web site: www.afeldoret.org
Kisumu
Kisumu Social Center
Tel. 0 731 642 723
Email: alliancefrkisumu@yahoo.fr
Centre International de Recherche Agronomique pour le
Développement (CIRAD)
C/O ICRAF, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri
Tel. 722 40 00. Fax. 722 40 01
Web site : www.cirad.fr
Institut de la Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)
World Agroforestry Centre Campus (WAC), United Nations Avenue
Gigiri, IRD C/o WAC
P.O. Box 30677 – 00100 Nairobi
Tel. 722 47 58. Fax. 722 40 01
Email : ird@icraf.exch.cgiar.org
Web site : www.ird.fr
Institut Français de Recherche en Afrique (IFRA)
Laikipia Road, Kileleshwa
P.O. Box 58480 – 00200 City Square – Nairobi
Tel/Fax. 43 43 446
Email : ifra3@iconnect.co.ke
Web site : www.ifra-nairobi.org
Lycée Denis Diderot
Argwings Khodek Road
P.O. Box 47 525, Nairobi
Tel: 243 77 14. Fax. 243 76 49
Email : accueil@diderot.ac.ke
Web site : http://lycee.denis.diderot.free.fr
Mission Economique
Ambank House, 14th floor – Utalii Lane
P.O. Box 30374 – 00100 Nairobi
Tel : 340 800 / 340 915. Fax : 340 990
Email : nairobi@missioneco.org
Web site : www.missioneco.org/kenya
Agence consulaire de Mombasa
SDV Transami, Changamwe Roundabout
P.O. Box 90 262, Mombasa
Tel/Fax : (041) 43 52 61/62. Fax. (041) 43 52 63
Email : gm@delmas.co.ke
France in Kenya is published by the Embassy of France with the kind support of:
France in Kenya
16