Wayne Lumbasi
Kenya is set to grant diplomatic-style privileges and immunities to French military personnel operating in the country under a proposed Defence Cooperation Agreement with France. The agreement, now before Parliament, seeks to formally regulate the presence and activities of French soldiers involved in joint defence engagements with the Kenyan military.
The proposed pact establishes a clear legal framework for visiting forces, defining their status, rights and obligations while deployed on official duties. If approved, French soldiers participating in agreed military activities such as training, joint exercises and security cooperation would be accorded protections similar to those enjoyed by diplomatic staff. These protections would apply strictly within the scope of official assignments carried out under the agreement.
Parliament has initiated the constitutional process required for ratifying international agreements. The Defence and Foreign Relations Committee has been tasked with reviewing the deal, while a public participation window has been opened to allow citizens and stakeholders to submit views before lawmakers make a final decision. This process is intended to ensure transparency and public input on matters with national security implications.
The defence agreement is designed to deepen military cooperation between Kenya and France in several strategic areas. These include capacity building for armed forces, intelligence cooperation, joint military exercises, maritime security, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian support. By clarifying legal and operational procedures, the pact aims to remove uncertainties that can arise when foreign troops operate within the country.
A key feature of the agreement is reciprocity. Kenyan military personnel deployed to France under similar cooperation arrangements would receive equivalent privileges and immunities. Such reciprocal provisions are standard in defence cooperation frameworks and are intended to ensure balanced treatment of forces from both countries.
The proposal has attracted attention due to its potential legal and sovereignty implications. Granting immunities to foreign troops can affect how incidents involving visiting forces are handled, particularly when actions occur in the course of official duties. Supporters say the framework is necessary to facilitate effective military collaboration and aligns with international practice. At the same time, lawmakers are expected to closely examine the safeguards within the agreement to ensure national interests are protected.
Kenya has existing defence cooperation arrangements with several international partners, reflecting its growing role in regional and international security efforts. The proposed agreement with France signals a continued push to strengthen military partnerships as the country responds to complex security challenges at home and across the region.
The final outcome will depend on parliamentary deliberations and the feedback received during public consultations, which will shape how foreign military cooperation is governed in the years ahead.
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