Aasai

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a stable democracy, emphasizing that the country is firmly anchored on strong governance institutions and guided by a progressive 2010 Constitution. Addressing diplomats, investors, and dignitaries during the 145th French National Day celebrations in Nairobi, Mudavadi said the government remains fully committed to democratic values, rule of law, and constitutional integrity.

Mudavadi assured Kenya’s international partners that the state institutions remain resilient, despite recent unrest, and that Kenya’s constitutional framework remains the bedrock of its democracy. “Our Constitution was passed through a national referendum with over 70% public approval. It is not just a document; it’s a reflection of our collective will to uphold justice, equality, and governance guided by the people,” he stated.

As the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Mudavadi stressed that the government would never resort to populism to override constitutional principles. Instead, he pledged unwavering support for constitutional rights, including peaceful protest, while condemning violence and emphasizing the need to avoid further loss of life. He said the recent demonstrations had strengthened Kenya’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and institutional reform.

The Prime CS cited Kenya’s tradition of holding regular, peaceful elections every five years as evidence of democratic maturity. He mentioned the recent reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as a positive step toward reinforcing electoral integrity and institutional credibility. Mudavadi underscored that these reforms are essential in preserving national unity and attracting global investor confidence.

Addressing the audience gathered at the French Embassy, Mudavadi celebrated the long-standing and fruitful partnership between Kenya and France. He described France as a trusted ally in Kenya’s journey toward sustainable development, citing cooperation in energy, infrastructure, education, and diplomacy. He lauded France’s role in supporting over 150 development projects in Kenya since 2015, worth €1.8 billion.

One of the key highlights, Mudavadi noted, is France’s commitment to establish a state-of-the-art Science and Engineering Complex at the University of Nairobi. He emphasized that this initiative, along with the growing popularity of the French language in Kenyan schools, is helping to deepen cultural and academic exchanges between the two nations.

The French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, praised Kenya as a strategic partner and reaffirmed France’s support for innovation, gender inclusion, and employment creation through collaborative projects such as the “Big 5 Silicon Savanna” initiative. “We are creating vibrant spaces for learning, artistic expression, and technological growth,” Suquet remarked.

Looking ahead, Mudavadi revealed that Kenya and France will co-host the Africa–France Summit in Nairobi in 2026. This will be the first time the summit is held in a non-Francophone African country. “This is a significant milestone. It reflects France’s trust in Kenya’s leadership and offers a platform to elevate Africa’s role in shaping global economic and diplomatic conversations,” he said.

Mudavadi also commended France’s role in promoting peace and security across Africa, particularly in the Horn and Great Lakes regions, through UN peacekeeping efforts and AU-led stabilization missions. He welcomed France’s continued support in helping Kenya and the region achieve long-term peace and prosperity.