China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, arrived in Kenya on Saturday for a significant visit, during which he lauded the economic partnership between China and Kenya as a win-win. The Chinese embassy in Kenya issued a statement highlighting the close friendship and mutual trust between the two nations in both political and economic realms.

Kenya, with its vibrant economy, has gained recognition from the international community as a stable democracy in a region often fraught with challenges. China, recognizing the potential for collaboration, has become Kenya’s second-largest lender, following the World Bank.

One of the flagship projects in this fruitful partnership is the construction of a new terminal in Mombasa, East Africa’s largest port, which is being financed by China. This strategic investment aims to bolster the region’s trade and connectivity.

In addition, China has extended a substantial loan of $5 billion (4.7 billion euros) for Kenya’s most expensive infrastructure initiative since gaining independence in 1963. The landmark project, the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, has revolutionized transportation by connecting the port city of Mombasa with Naivasha in the Rift Valley, via the capital city Nairobi.

“The Mombasa-Nairobi Railway has completely transformed Kenya,” emphasized the embassy’s statement, underscoring the project’s positive impact on the country’s development.

Kenyan President William Ruto, who assumed office recently, expressed his dedication to strengthening the strategic partnership with China, focusing particularly on infrastructure development and efforts to combat climate change.

However, some critics have raised concerns about China’s creditor status and its potential exploitation of it for diplomatic or trade concessions. This has prompted discussions about African countries’ ability to manage the debts they incur in such partnerships.

China, as the world’s second-largest economy, dismisses accusations of “debt-trap diplomacy” from Western rivals, arguing that such criticisms are unfair, given the substantial debts that these Western nations have themselves imposed on various countries.

Kenya’s economy, though dynamic, faces the challenge of carrying a significant debt burden, amounting to $70 billion, approximately 67 percent of its GDP.

After concluding his visit to Kenya, Wang Yi is scheduled to travel to South Africa on July 24 and 25 to participate in the upcoming BRICS summit. The BRICS grouping includes South Africa, Brazil, China, India, and Russia, representing significant emerging economies in the global landscape.

In summary, China and Kenya continue to deepen their economic ties, emphasizing mutual benefits and cooperation. While Kenya reaps the rewards of infrastructure development and increased trade, China seeks to foster strategic partnerships and dispel accusations of debt-driven diplomacy. As Wang Yi’s diplomatic journey advances, the world watches with interest to see how these relationships will shape the future of international cooperation.

By: Montel Kamau Serrari Financial Analyst 25th July, 2023

photo source Google