In a bid to address the rising demand for employment opportunities among the youth, the French Government, through the Alliance Française, has officially committed to deepening its strategic partnership with Kenya to nurture local talents, bolster small enterprises, and ensure that creative artists are fairly and consistently compensated for their craft.
Speaking as the chief guest during the official opening of the Kenya-France Youth Innovation Day celebrations held today at the University of Nairobi, the French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, emphasized the critical role that the creative economy plays in driving youth empowerment and providing sustainable livelihoods.
The Ambassador stressed that the creative sector is no longer a peripheral industry but a major economic driver that requires structured financial and institutional support to fully thrive.
“This is the first sector of the creative industries. We want our art to be paid for, and to be paid well. That is why we created this Africa Forward Concert with Kenyan artists,” Suquet stated, noting that fair remuneration remains a major bottleneck for many talented young Kenyans trying to break into the professional art scene.
Highlighting the highly extensive and diverse grassroots footprint of the French cultural network across Kenya, the Ambassador clarified that their developmental operations are not confined to the capital city of Nairobi.
He noted that the Alliance Française is actively working on the ground in various regions to decentralize opportunities and bring artistic resources closer to the people.
“Alliance Française is on the ground. We are here in Nairobi, we are in Mombasa Eldoret, and we are Kisumu,” the Ambassador added.
He praised the cultural vibrancy of the youth and their mastery of local Sheng, which he warmly described as “the force of the people.”
He further noted that understanding local culture and language is vital in fostering deep, mutual trust and building lasting diplomatic relations that directly benefit ordinary citizens.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Professor Eng. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, warmly welcomed the strategic collaboration, noting that the institution has successfully transformed its campus into a vibrant, modern hub of ideas, innovation, and networking for young scholars and local entrepreneurs.
Professor Gitau revealed that today’s Youth and Innovation Day was a massive success, attracting a total of 1,076 active participants who engaged in various thematic discussions and live exhibitions throughout the day.
He commended the students and young innovators for their curiosity, boldness, and creativity in developing practical solutions to local and global challenges.
“We have seen what is possible when universities, governments, industry, development partners, and young innovators come together with a shared purpose,” Prof. Gitau remarked.
“France’s continued collaboration demonstrates that the strongest international partnerships are those built on shared expertise, mutual trust, and a common desire to create opportunities for young people.”
He added that the university remains committed to providing an enabling environment that bridges the gap between academic research and market-driven industry demands.
The celebration concluded with a colorful festival of diverse culture, music, and friendship, coinciding with the official French National Day festivities today.
Key organizers and delegates noted that the historic event symbolizes the deep, enduring partnership between Kenya and France, which is fundamentally built on the shared belief that investing heavily in youth, modern knowledge, and creative technological innovation remains the single most secure path toward building a prosperous, competitive, and highly sustainable economic future for all.
By Lilian Gichohi
