In a significant blow to France's influence in Africa, Kenya has terminated a €1.3 billion highway expansion deal with a French-led consortium, paving the way for a Chinese firm to take over the project. The decision marks a shift in African nations' allegiances, with many countries distancing themselves from former colonial powers and turning towards China for strategic partnerships.

The project, which aims to upgrade 140 kilometers of single-lane roadway into a multi-lane highway linking Nairobi to the Rift Valley city of Nakuru, was originally signed in Paris in 2020 during a state visit by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. The deal had been awarded to a consortium led by France's Vinci Highways, with participation from Vinci Concessions and the French private equity firm Meridiam SAS.

According to government officials and sources familiar with the matter, the contract will likely be reassigned to a Chinese firm, highlighting China's deepening footprint in African infrastructure and France's waning influence in the region. The decision follows a government review of the contract terms, which officials deemed unfavorable. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) noted that the original agreement placed the financial risk of low traffic volumes squarely on the government.

The collapse of the deal adds to a growing list of setbacks for France in Africa and reinforces a broader trend in which African nations are reassessing legacy relationships in favor of new, pragmatic alignments that prioritize infrastructure, financing, and sovereignty. France's waning influence in Africa has become increasingly apparent in recent years, as a growing number of countries on the continent rethink their historical ties with Paris in favor of new alliances, particularly with China and Russia.

Rising anti-French sentiment, particularly in West Africa, has been fueled by perceptions of economic exploitation, political interference, and ineffective military interventions, especially in the Sahel. In countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, recent coups have not only ousted pro-French leaders but also resulted in the expulsion of French troops and diplomats. At the same time, these states are turning to alternative partners, particularly Russia, for security support, and to China for infrastructure and investment.

The shift in allegiances is driven by a combination of factors, including the desire for greater sovereignty, economic benefits, and infrastructure development. China's growing influence in Africa is largely attributed to its ability to provide financing and infrastructure development without the conditionalities often attached to Western aid. The recent collapse of the French highway deal in Kenya is emblematic of this broader continental pivot, as African nations increasingly look to China and other emerging powers for partnerships that prioritize their national interests.

The implications of this shift are far-reaching, with potential consequences for global politics, trade, and security. As African nations reassess their relationships with former colonial powers, they are also redefining their roles in the global economy and international relations. The rise of China and other emerging powers in Africa is likely to continue, with significant implications for the continent's development trajectory and global influence.

In conclusion, the termination of the €1.3 billion highway expansion deal in Kenya marks a significant milestone in the shifting landscape of African influence. As the continent's nations increasingly look to China and other emerging powers for partnerships, the implications for global politics, trade, and security will be closely watched. France's waning influence in Africa serves as a reminder that the continent's nations are no longer bound by historical ties, but are instead forging new paths that prioritize their national interests and sovereignty.