By Dr. Adhere Cavince
China’s foreign policy lead, Wang Yi is in Kenya for a three-day visit, the first since William Ruto assumed office as Kenya’s President. As Kenya and China mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, the visit provides a good opportunity for the two countries to strengthen ties including in the economic cooperation front.
China is Kenya’s largest trade partner and top investor. Kenya is the landing point for the Belt and Road Initiative in Africa. Under the initiative, launched in 2013, Kenya and China have worked together to deliver many infrastructure projects including the Standard Gauge Way Railway, Nairobi Expressway, Global Trade Centre and the Mombasa oil terminal. These are flagship projects under Kenya vision 2030; signifying their pivotal role in anchoring Kenya’s economic transformation.
Wang Yi is particularly suited to advance the partnership dialogue between Kenya and China. Having served as China’s foreign minister (2013-2022); he has witnessed the rapid development in relations between China and many African capitals. He brings history, experience and continuity in promoting constructive dialogue towards inclusive development and prosperity between the two nations.
In 1963 when Kenya gained independence from the British, the country’s GDP per capita was nearly one and half larger than that of China. In 1973, KICC was the tallest building both in Kenya and China. Yet in just three decades ending 2020, China lifted over 800 million people out of poverty to become the first developing country to eliminate extreme poverty, 10 years ahead of the United Nations set deadline of 2030.
China’s development experience has become a magnet around the world. Many societies, including Kenyans want similar outcomes marked by effective education, agriculture, healthcare, housing, transportation, and industrialization systems, among others.
Under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China has extended the proceeds of its development to the continent. Today, China has unveiled a number of programmes such as the Global Development Initiative, aimed at catalysing achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Similarly, the Global Security Initiative is primed to help societies overcome the perils of conflict and transforming into economically thriving spaces.
Kenya and China have tremendous opportunities for growth partnerships. Today, Nairobi is among just five African capitals that are currently in comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Beijing. China is home to technologies, experiences and finances that can fuel Kenya’s development. Similarly, Nairobi offers Chinese companies investment opportunities to internationalise and reach the rest of Africa. We should see more access of Kenyan produce and products into the Chinese market.
The identified areas of cooperation during talks between the Chinese official and President William Ruto such railways, highways, water conservancy, aviation, and renewable energy complements the government’s development blueprint and implementation should be expedited.
Yet, such enviable outcomes are only possible when the leadership and the people of both countries can harness the power of cooperation through constructive dialogue, trust and enduring friendship. It is time to make the cooperation live up to its potential.
Dr. Adhere is a scholar of international relations with a focus on China-Africa development cooperation. Twitter: @Cavinceworld.
