President Uhuru Kenyatta was received in Paris, France on Wednesday by host president Emmanuel Macron as he started his official visit.

President Kenyatta was received at the Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French president, by Macron.

Uhuru arrived at the Palace minutes after 8pm and inspected a guard of honour mounted by the French military before enjoying a French-style reception.

Guard of Honour. PHOTO/COURTESY

The two presidents later signed three crucial bilateral agreements.

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After the signing of the deals, Uhuru and Macron led their respective delegates to a State Banquet in honour of Uhuru’s visit before holding private talks.

Uhuru Kenyatta and Emmanuel Macron. PHOTO/COURTESY

The two heads of state agreed on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the construction of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway. The agreement was signed between KeNHA and Vinci Concessions.

The other deals struck were the 400KV Menengai-Rongai electricity transmission line and the development of a commuter railway line from Nairobi (CBD) to the JKIA.

Uhuru was later set to give a speech at the French largest international innovation and entrepreneurship extravaganza at the BPI France Inno Generation 2020.

Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO/COURTESY

On Friday, Uhuru will preside over the Kenya-France business forum organized by Movement Des Entreprises De France (MEDEF), the French Business Confederation. 

Most of the discussions Uhuru will hold are aimed at wooing French companies to come to invest in Kenya and to discuss other investment opportunities.

Uhuru is visiting France with an entourage that comprises Cabinet Secretaries Ukur Yatani, Raychelle Omamo, Betty Maina and James Macharia.