After four years representing France in Kenya, Ambassador Arnaud Suquet is leaving with more than diplomatic achievements. He is taking home memories shaped by friendships, language, music, coffee, sport and countless journeys across the country.
In a heartfelt farewell message, Suquet described Kenya as a place that had become a second home, saying his departure was marked more by gratitude than sadness.
“Some places never truly leave us. For me, Kenya has been one of those places,” Suquet wrote as he reflected on his time in the country.
His message offered a personal account of life beyond official meetings, revealing the experiences that defined his tenure and the relationships that shaped his understanding of Kenya.
Finding home through Kiswahili
One of Suquet’s earliest priorities was learning Kiswahili.
He recalled beginning with children’s books before progressing to everyday conversations with the help of his language teacher, Kings.
The ambassador said learning the language opened doors to understanding Kenyan culture in ways diplomacy alone could not.
He also developed an appreciation for Kiswahili proverbs, describing them as expressions of wisdom that often carried humour alongside life lessons.
While Kiswahili became familiar, Sheng proved more elusive.
“My command of Sheng is still pretty shaky,” he admitted, noting that the slang changes constantly and even differs between Nairobi neighbourhoods.
For Suquet, language became one of the strongest bridges between France and Kenya.
He noted that more than 50,000 Kenyans are studying French, while around 150 young Kenyans travel to France each year to teach English in French schools, creating opportunities for cultural exchange.
Nairobi’s energy left a lasting impression
Among all the places he visited, Nairobi remained Suquet’s favourite.
He praised the city’s energy, describing its central business district as unpredictable, lively and constantly changing.
“I will dearly miss this city’s welcoming charm and vibrant urban culture. Nairobi ni home,” he wrote.
Music also became one of his strongest memories.
He singled out artists including Sauti Sol, Bien, Nyashinski and Coster Ojwang’, saying Kenyan music would remain part of his playlist long after leaving East Africa.
Beyond music, he said Nairobi’s comedy scene reflected the country’s humour and resilience.
The ambassador revealed he occasionally attended comedy performances anonymously, accepting the possibility of becoming part of the act if recognised by audiences.
He also credited Nai Nami walking tours for giving him a fresh perspective on the capital, including his first experience riding a colourful nganya matatu.
Investing in Kenya’s future
While reflecting on personal experiences, Suquet also highlighted several partnerships that deepened cooperation between France and Kenya.
He pointed to the Alliance Française in Nairobi as an important platform supporting language learning and the creative arts.
He also noted France’s investment in a new engineering and science complex at the University of Nairobi, saying young Africans would play a leading role in solving future global challenges, including artificial intelligence and climate change.
The ambassador said the Africa Forward Summit, held in Nairobi earlier this year, reflected that shared ambition by bringing together political leaders, business executives, civil society organisations and innovators from across Africa and Europe.
Sport strengthened diplomatic ties
Sport featured prominently throughout Suquet’s diplomatic mission.
He described Kenya as the home of champions and praised the partnership between Iten and the French city of Miramas, which grew during preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
One of his personal highlights came during a training run with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and French President Emmanuel Macron.
“I had to train specifically for that Arboretum hill. It was a killer,” he joked.
Away from athletics, Suquet also developed a close relationship with Tennis Kenya, expressing optimism about a new partnership aimed at supporting young Kenyan players.
Remembering conversations with Raila Odinga
The ambassador also reflected on meeting veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga shortly before his death.
Introduced through Senator Oburu Odinga following a visit to Bondo, Suquet said the discussion ranged from Kenya’s democratic journey to the country’s future energy needs.
One story stood out.
According to Suquet, Raila recalled escaping across Lake Victoria by boat during the struggle against authoritarian rule, carrying only a bottle of vodka to keep warm.
The ambassador said he was deeply saddened to learn of Odinga’s death just weeks after their meeting.
Kenya’s youth inspired hope
Young people remained central to Suquet’s vision for stronger France-Kenya relations.
Reflecting on recent youth-led protests, he revisited a phrase from his 2025 Bastille Day speech: “Ujenzi wa Taifa ama UGenZ wa Taifa?”
The play on words, he explained, symbolised the need for dialogue between generations.
Throughout his tenure, France expanded programmes focused on education, skills development and opportunities for young Kenyans.
“The creativity, talent and energy of Kenya’s youth have consistently impressed me,” he said.
Coffee, tea and one final toast
Suquet admitted he arrived in Kenya as a devoted coffee drinker.
That never changed.
But he also developed a new appreciation for Kenyan speciality tea.
Working alongside Equity Group CEO Dr James Mwangi, France supported efforts to position premium Kenyan tea in high-value international markets.
He noted that some varieties of Kenyan purple tea now command significantly higher prices than conventional tea, creating better returns for farmers.
As he prepares to return to Paris, Suquet says he expects memories of Kenya to accompany his morning routine.
Instead of coffee, he imagines occasionally pouring Kenyan tea into a wine glass served at room temperature, without sugar or milk just as he was taught
A farewell, not a goodbye
Suquet ended his message with a line that captured both gratitude and optimism.
“Dear Kenya, the pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”
He signed off in Kiswahili:
“Kwaheri Kenya, tutaonana baadaye. Asanteni.”
For the departing ambassador, the farewell is less an ending than a promise that the bond between France and Kenya, and his own connection to the country will continue long after his diplomatic posting comes to an end.
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