Representatives from the French Embassy, led by the Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia, H.E. Wadid Benaabou; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, represented by Ambassador Isaiya Kabira; and the Ministry of Education, represented by Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, with student language assistants during the event../ PHOTO; Courtesy
Young Kenyans are gaining opportunities to build practical skills and gain international experience through the Language Assistant Programme by the Embassy of France in Kenya and the Alliance Française network. Kenya has participated in the programme since 2019, with about 650 students taking part to date.
This year, 90 new assistants will join 79 returning participants. Selected from across Kenya based on requirements including a minimum B1 level of French, they underwent pre-departure training from September 21 to 24.
Omondi said being selected for the programme marked an important step in her journey and expressed gratitude to those who supported her application.
“I was selected this year to take part in the Language Assistant Programme in France, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity and for everyone who supported us throughout the application process,” she said.
Learning the language, she added, would come with its challenges, but she was looking forward to becoming more confident in French.
“People have always asked me the same question: ‘So, are you going to speak French?’ Well, I am halfway there!”
Beyond improving her language skills, Omondi hopes the experience will help her build confidence, form lasting friendships and gain a deeper understanding of French culture.
“Through this experience, I hope to improve my French, build greater confidence and lasting friendships, immerse myself in French culture, and discover more about myself,” she said.
She also hopes the relationships and experience gained in France will create opportunities beyond the programme, particularly in languages, communication and related fields.
“I hope these relationships will open doors to new opportunities once the programme ends, including opportunities in languages, communication and other fields in France.”
The four highest-performing participants in French will receive plane tickets from Air France.
From Classrooms to Career Paths
For Cyril Savai, a Kenyan security, political and risks analyst and journalist, the experience can create value beyond the teaching placement.
Savai travelled to France in September 2021 to work as an English language assistant at Lycée Maupassant in Évreux. He said the experience strengthened his professional skills, improved his French and exposed him to a different education and working environment.
“Today I have the privilege of speaking to you as a proud alumnus of the language assistant programme by France. A programme that has indeed proven to be a stepping stone in my career journey.”
During his time in France, Savai collaborated with teachers and colleagues on teaching projects and interacted with different departments. He also improved his French through daily conversations and exposure to French literature.
He returned to Kenya in May 2023 and later worked in research and consultancy before joining the BBC as a journalist researcher. He said the combination of French and international experience helped distinguish his professional profile.
“Through all this experience, the French language made my profile stand out, and the international experience was, I think, the icing on the cake.”
The programme also gave him access to an international alumni network. Last year, he represented recent English Language Assistant alumni from around the world during World Teachers’ Day in Paris.
“You have just opened the very first page of one of the best chapters in your life.”
French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia Wadid Benaabou During the Event./ PHOTO: Courtesy Strengthening France-Kenya Ties
French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia Wadid Benaabou said the programme has strengthened ties between France and Kenya through people-to-people diplomacy.
“The Language Assistant Programme is very dear to us. It is one of the oldest programmes, and it has become a symbol of friendship between France and Kenya.”
Benaabou said Kenya has become the leading African country in participation, describing the achievement as remarkable.
“You are going to be ambassadors of Kenya to France, and when you come back, you are going to be ambassadors of France to Kenya.”
He also highlighted growing interest among Kenyan students in studying in France, particularly in higher education, and urged the participants to encourage more students to consider French institutions.
“The number of Kenyan students studying in France has increased, but we want it to increase a bit even more. And for that to happen, I need your help.”
Benaabou said French language skills could complement the participants’ existing abilities and support their future careers.
“Adding to those skills the French language, especially on the African continent, means a lot and will definitely be an asset for your future success.”
He highlighted the growing community of France alumni in Kenya through Afraken, the Association of France Alumni in Kenya.
“I think that you are going to help us build bridges between our two countries, which is very valuable.”
Building Skills Across Borders
Ambassador Isaiya Kabira, Secretary for Diaspora Investments, Skills and Expertise at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, congratulated the Kenyan English Language Teaching Assistants selected for the 2026–2027 programme.
Kabira thanked the Embassy of France, France Éducation International and Alliance Française for involving the ministry in the pre-departure orientation, saying it would help prepare the participants for their experience in France.
“Kenya values this programme as a practical platform for strengthening bilateral relations with France through youth opportunities, educational cooperation and cultural exchange.”
He encouraged the participants to learn French, noting that a second language can open opportunities for Kenyans seeking employment abroad.
“We have seen opportunities in Germany, Japan and other countries, but some Kenyans are unable to take advantage of them because they do not have a second language.”
Kabira urged the participants to represent Kenya positively by sharing the country’s culture, history and identity with confidence, humility and respect. He also encouraged them to register with the Kenyan Embassy in France and connect with the Kenyan diaspora community for guidance and support.
“I wish the teacher assistants a fulfilling and rewarding experience as they work in French schools and institutions. Merci beaucoup et bon voyage.”
The programme brings together about 4,500 students from around the world each year to teach their native languages, mainly English, German, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin and Arabic, in French primary and secondary schools for seven months.
For Kenyan participants, the initiative provides teaching and international experience while promoting Kenyan culture in France. Applications for the 2027–2028 school year will open in January 2027.
Returning With New Perspectives
Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, congratulated the participants, saying their selection reflected their hard work and commitment to learning.
“Your selection as language assistants is a testament to your hard work, talents and commitment to learning.”
Inyangala urged them to approach their time in France with confidence, humility and an open mind, making the most of their classrooms, conversations, friendships and new experiences.
“Tonight is not simply a farewell. It is a celebration of all the possibilities that lie ahead for you.”
Drawing from her experience studying for a PhD in Athens, Greece, in 1999, Inyangala said living in a different environment exposed her to new cultures, perspectives and opportunities.
“That experience was enriching. It was life-changing. It opened a pathway into diversity, culture and opportunities that have eventually blessed me where I am today.”
She urged the participants to use their time abroad to gain knowledge and share Kenya’s culture, innovations and experiences.
“Learn from France, but also let France learn from you. Share the Kenyan story. Share our languages, our music, our food, our humour, our resilience and our way of seeing the world.”
Inyangala cited African thinkers Léopold Sédar Senghor and Aimé Césaire as examples of how international exposure can broaden knowledge while allowing people to maintain their identity.
“Sometimes you must travel away from home to see home more clearly.”
She encouraged the participants to remain curious and grounded while creating opportunities for those who will follow them.
“When your assignment is over, I hope you will return not simply saying, ‘I have been to France,’ but rather, ‘France changed the way I see the world and I have something new to give to Kenya.’”
Inyangala thanked France for supporting the programme, describing the relationship between the two countries as fruitful and mutually beneficial.
“Go as proud Kenyans, return as enriched global citizens, and let your journey inspire those who will follow.”
