Alliances Françaises Strengthen Kenya-France Cultural and Language Ties

By Olivia Deroint, Director, Alliance Française Nairobi and National Coordinator, Alliances Françaises Kenya

The Alliance Française institutions in Kenya continue to play a major role in strengthening language, culture, education, and artistic cooperation between Kenya and France.

In a statement, Olivia Deroint, Director of Alliance Française de Nairobi and National Coordinator of Alliances Françaises Kenya, highlighted the institutions’ contribution to cultural diplomacy, education, and the creative industry.

The Alliance Française de Nairobi is the oldest in Kenya, having been founded in 1949 by Kenyans interested in the French language and culture.

The Alliance Française de Mombasa celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, while the Alliance Française d’Eldoret is set to mark 25 years in 2027. The Alliance Française de Kisumu also resumed operations earlier this year.

“These language and cultural relations organizations belong to the world’s largest network of language and cultural institutions, present in 135 countries,” Deroint said.

She added that the institutions support French language education, creativity, and collaborations while working closely with the French Embassy in Kenya.

Thousands of Kenyans Learning French

According to Deroint, the Nairobi centre trains around 3,000 students every year through physical and online classes designed for adults, teenagers, and children.

“The Alliance Française in Nairobi is ranked among the top 15 around the world, highlighting its strategic significance in the larger Francophone ecosystem,” she stated.

The institutions also issue around 2,000 international certificates annually, including DELF/DALF diplomas and TEF/TCF tests required for immigration and studies in France and Canada.

“These certifications are not only academic milestones but also gateways to global opportunities,” Deroint noted.

Support for Police, Doctors and KDF

The organization has also expanded its training to professional groups in Kenya.

“In 2024, we trained 660 Kenyan police officers in French before deployment to Haiti,” Deroint said.

She further revealed that over 80 doctors have been trained and certified in medical French to support cross-border healthcare cooperation.

The institutions also continue working with the Kenya Defence Forces on language training programmes.

Educational Exchange Opportunities

Every year, between 70 and 100 Kenyan university students join the French Government’s Language Assistant Programme, where they teach English in French schools for one year.

“We ensure candidates achieve the B1 certification required for eligibility, directly linking Kenyan youth to immersive experiences in France,” Deroint explained.

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Alliance Françaises Boos Kenya’s Creative Industry

The Alliances Françaises have also played a major role in supporting Kenya’s arts and entertainment industry.

“Several current actors and actresses on our film and TV screens can attribute their formative years to the Alliance Française stage,” Deroint said.

She added that popular Kenyan music group Sauti Sol started its journey at the Alliance Française de Nairobi.

Through arts residencies, production support, and exposure programmes, the institutions have continued supporting artists across Kenya.

Upgrading Cultural Spaces Across Kenya

In 2021, with support from the French Government, the organization helped improve cultural venues in different parts of the country.

The supported venues included Utamaduni Centre, Nakuru Players Theatre, Dunga Hill Camp, Swahili Pot and Sarakasi Trust.

The programme focused on upgrading infrastructure, building technical skills, and supporting cultural programming.

Also Read: Ombachi Hints at Cooking Collaboration With French Government

Creation Africa Programme Supports Kenyan Creatives

Since 2024, the Alliance Française and the French Embassy have been implementing France’s Creation Africa programme aimed at strengthening Africa’s creative economy.

According to Deroint, the project has invested more than 2 million euros in Kenya to support animators, video game developers, and performing artists.

The programme has also supported training, mentorship, artist mobility, and participation in major creative industry events in France and Europe.

With support from Iconem, the project also helped digitize UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mombasa and Lamu using 3D technology for conservation and education purposes.

Building Cultural Bridges

“The Alliances Françaises in Kenya are committed to fostering meaningful artistic exchanges and co-creation between artists from different horizons,” Deroint stated.

She added that the institutions continue serving as a bridge between Francophone and Anglophone communities by encouraging cultural exchange and collaboration.

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President William Ruto held talks with President Emmanuel Macron of France and witnessed the signing of 11 instruments between our two nations at State House, Nairobi, on Sunday, May 10. 2026. PHOTO/PCS.