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France through AFD Strengthens Partnership with Kenya Across Energy, Urban Development, and Water Sectors
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Kenya September 8, 2025 – During her first mission to Kenya, Sandra Kassab, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Africa Director, engaged with key partners and visited flagship projects in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Siaya counties, underscoring AFD’s long-term commitment to sustainable development in the country, highlighting France’s ongoing commitment to supporting Kenya’s sustainable development across energy, urban infrastructure, and water and sanitation sectors.
Sandra Kassab met with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, John Mbadi, to discuss AFD’s financing portfolio and reaffirmed the AFD’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s development goals. She emphasized AFD’s role in providing expertise, technical support, and financing for inclusive and sustainable growth.
She also engaged with Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, on the Kenya Digital Connectivity and Transformation Project, highlighting AFD’s support in expanding fiber networks, creating digital hubs, and enabling inclusive e-government services to advance Kenya’s digital transformation.
Advancing Geothermal Energy Across East Africa
On September 4, Ms. Kassab participated in the signing of a landmark cooperation agreement between AFD and Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to accelerate geothermal energy development in East Africa. The project, involving Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and France, combines Kenyan expertise in deep geothermal power with French know-how in direct-use applications of geothermal heat.
Transforming Informal Settlements through inclusive urban development
Ms. Kassab also attended the inauguration of the Urban Fabric Initiative (UFI) project in Kahawa Soweto. The programme, supported by AFD through a €750,000 grant, aims to improve living conditions in Nairobi’s informal settlements by upgrading infrastructure, enhancing access to essential services, and promoting inclusive, sustainable urban development.
The UFI covers three Nairobi settlements — Kahawa Soweto, Kayole Soweto, and City Carton — and emphasizes community-led design, co-creation, and participatory management. The initiative also informs broader development plans under KISIP 2 programme, in partnership with the World Bank and the EU.
Advancing Resilient Urban Growth and Water Solutions in Kisumu
Sandra Kassab’s mission in western Kenya included a visit of infrastructure and facilities completed in 2022 with AFD financing. These investments which have significantly improved local living conditions include roads, schools, a hospital, and a social hall, built under the Kisumu Urban Project. The delegation also took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation and extension of the city’s water pipeline network under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Program (LVWATSAN).
The project will provide reliable water and sanitation services to over 500,000 residents, reduce environmental pollution in Lake Victoria, and support underserved communities. Local and national officials, including the Kisumu Governor and the Cabinet Secretary for Water, attended the ceremony.
As part of her visit, Ms. Kassab joined the French Ambassador, Mr. Arnaud Suquet, for a school lunch under the Food4Education initiative, partly funded by France and accelerated via the farm’Innov programme funded by AFD. The program provides over 500,000 children with daily meals, supporting nutrition, education, and school attendance nationwide.
Site visits in Siaya County
In Siaya County, Sandra Kassab visited AFD-supported initiatives, including the Ndeda Island off-grid mini photovoltaic farm. These visits highlight AFD’s role in promoting inclusive economic development and local innovation across Kenya.
Commitment to long-term development
"AFD is committed to working hand-in-hand with Kenya to deliver tangible results: resilient communities, sustainable infrastructure, and a greener future. From clean energy to urban development and water management, our mission demonstrates how partnerships can drive inclusive, long-term change," Ms. Kassab said.
Through these initiatives, France through AFD reaffirms its long-term commitment to Kenya, combining technical expertise, financing, and local collaboration to address the country’s most pressing development challenges. The mission underscores the strength of Franco-Kenyan cooperation and France’s role in supporting sustainable, inclusive growth in Africa.
Press contact:
Linnete Bahati Amimo
Regional Communications Manager
Agence Française de Développement in Eastern Africa
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