Kenya is preparing to grant diplomatic-style privileges and immunities to French military personnel under a new defence cooperation agreement, as Parliament opens the process for public participation ahead of its ratification.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, December 17, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, announced that the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and France has been formally tabled in Parliament and referred to the Departmental Committee on Defence for review.
The agreement was presented to the House on November 27, 2025, triggering constitutional requirements for public participation under Articles 118(1)(b) and 2(5) and (6) of the Constitution, as well as Section 8 of the Treaty Making and Ratification Act.
According to the notice, the pact establishes a legal framework governing the presence and operations of visiting forces from both countries, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on defence and security matters.
A key provision of the agreement requires Kenya to extend certain privileges, immunities, and logistical support to visiting foreign forces while they operate in the country under agreed defence cooperation activities.
“It is notified that the Defence Cooperation Agreement outlines the legal framework governing the presence and activities of visiting forces from either country and seeks to enhance bilateral cooperation on defence and security for the mutual benefit of the Republic of Kenya and the French Republic,” the notice stated.
The agreement also outlines expanded collaboration in military training, capacity building, intelligence and information sharing, and joint exercises as part of a broader security partnership.
Under the terms of the deal, both Kenya and France commit to implementing defence cooperation activities in line with their respective laws, while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Members of the public and relevant stakeholders have been invited to submit written memoranda to the Clerk of the National Assembly by December 31, 2025, before Parliament determines whether to formally ratify the agreement.
The defence pact was signed in October at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Nairobi by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet.
In a statement following the signing, the Ministry of Defence described the agreement as a major step in strengthening Kenya–France relations, citing expanded cooperation in intelligence sharing, maritime security, peacekeeping missions, military training, and humanitarian support.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between Kenya and France, further cementing a long-standing partnership rooted in shared commitments to peace, stability, and security,” the ministry said.
