On the 75th anniversary of China’s National Foundation Day, Kenya took the opportunity to reaffirm its deep-rooted commitment to fostering an ever-closer relationship with China. During a commemoration event at the Chinese embassy in Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi underscored Kenya’s strategic intent to further bolster economic and bilateral ties with China, a partnership that continues to yield significant socio-economic benefits for Kenya. China, as Kenya’s leading bilateral development partner, has been integral to Kenya’s growth, not only through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) but also by expanding investment in other key sectors of the economy.
A Decades-Long Partnership
Mudavadi highlighted that China’s role in Kenya’s development has evolved, particularly over the last two decades, from mere infrastructural development under the BRI to a more multifaceted partnership that touches on critical sectors such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Renewable Energy, Education, Retail, and Housing. This growing collaboration reflects China’s increasing focus on sustainable development, people-to-people connections, and shared prosperity beyond infrastructure projects.
“The strategic partnership between Kenya and China has been deliberate in ensuring that every aspect of bilateral cooperation brings our peoples together,” said Mudavadi, emphasizing the mutual benefit of collaboration that goes beyond governments to involve the private sector and citizens from both nations.
China’s Influence on Kenya’s Socio-Economic Transformation
The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, has been a central pillar of the Kenya-China relationship. BRI projects, which aim to enhance global trade and economic integration by improving infrastructure, have significantly transformed Kenya’s socio-economic landscape. Through investments in roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure, China has helped Kenya unlock opportunities for economic growth, especially in rural areas where underutilized resources are now being accessed, jobs created, and poverty alleviated.
However, Mudavadi was keen to highlight that China’s influence on Kenya’s growth story goes beyond these physical developments. With the involvement of Chinese companies, particularly private-sector players, Kenya has seen increased foreign direct investment in sectors that contribute to long-term sustainability, including renewable energy and ICT. These industries are crucial in supporting Kenya’s ambitions to modernize and diversify its economy while aligning with global trends toward digitalization and green energy.
Facilitating Chinese Private Sector Investment
Mudavadi emphasized the importance of attracting private sector investment from China, noting that while large state-led projects under the BRI have been instrumental, the role of Chinese private firms in Kenya’s economy is growing and equally significant. “We are committed to facilitating Chinese private sector investment in key areas of our economy,” said Mudavadi, outlining that the government of Kenya will continue to create a conducive environment for Chinese businesses to thrive.
The sectors benefiting from Chinese investment include technology, with Chinese firms playing a critical role in expanding Kenya’s ICT infrastructure. Renewable energy projects supported by China have also helped Kenya establish itself as a regional leader in green energy. Furthermore, the retail and hospitality industries have seen substantial input from Chinese enterprises, contributing to job creation and improved service delivery.
Infrastructure Development as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
In his address, Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure development as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. The government is currently investing substantial resources into developing new infrastructure and improving existing ones, particularly in rural areas, to unlock previously underutilized opportunities. These developments aim to create jobs and alleviate poverty, aligning with Kenya’s broader goals of achieving socio-economic transformation.
China’s role in supporting these efforts has been indispensable. Through partnerships with Chinese companies and state-backed financing, Kenya has been able to execute large-scale projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which connects the port city of Mombasa to Nairobi and beyond. These projects have had ripple effects across the economy, facilitating trade, reducing transportation costs, and linking rural areas to major urban centers.
Mudavadi acknowledged China’s pivotal role in these efforts, stating, “Kenya appreciates the support of the Government of China, without which we would not be one of the key Belt and Road Initiative partners.”
The 2024 FOCAC Summit and the Kenya-China Joint Vision
Looking ahead, Mudavadi reiterated Kenya’s commitment to advancing the Kenya-China Joint Vision and achieving modernization in line with the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. FOCAC has been a crucial platform for enhancing China-Africa relations since its inception, providing a forum for African countries and China to discuss development cooperation, economic ties, and common interests in the global arena.
For Kenya, the summit represents an opportunity to align its modernization agenda with China’s long-term development goals, which prioritize inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Mudavadi assured that Kenya would remain dedicated to this vision, advancing national, regional, continental, and global cooperation under the framework of FOCAC.
Multilateral Cooperation and South-South Collaboration
Kenya’s relationship with China extends beyond bilateral ties to include collaboration on multilateral platforms. As a member of the Global South, Kenya has historically aligned itself with China’s efforts to promote South-South cooperation, a form of collaboration between developing countries aimed at achieving common development goals.
In his speech, Mudavadi emphasized China’s role as a strong advocate for Kenya and other developing countries, particularly in reforming the international financial architecture. He noted that both countries share the objective of creating a fair, just, and rules-based system that allows developing countries to access affordable financing for sustainable socio-economic development.
Kenya and China’s collaboration on these global issues highlights the shared values of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and peaceful coexistence. Mudavadi lauded China’s best practices in governance, discipline, and long-term national development planning, which prioritize the well-being of the people and have been instrumental in lifting millions of Chinese citizens out of poverty. These principles resonate with Kenya’s own development objectives.
Reforming the United Nations Security Council
Another area of multilateral cooperation between Kenya and China is the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Mudavadi reiterated Kenya’s support for reforms to make the UNSC more inclusive and reflective of the current realities of global political and security affairs. China, a permanent member of the council, has consistently called for reforms that would give developing countries, particularly in Africa, a stronger voice in global security matters.
Mudavadi commended China’s leadership in pushing for these reforms, stating that Kenya values China’s advocacy for fairness and justice in the international system.
China’s Role in Global Stability and Climate Change Mitigation
As the world’s second-largest economy, China plays a pivotal role in global political and economic affairs. Mudavadi recognized China’s contribution as a stabilizer in an increasingly unstable global economy. China’s strong governance and disciplined approach to national development have made it a model for other developing countries, including Kenya, which seeks to emulate these practices in its own modernization efforts.
Mudavadi also acknowledged China’s leadership on climate change mitigation and sustainable economic development. He noted that China has been at the forefront of promoting green technologies and renewable energy, an area where Kenya has also made significant strides. Through partnerships with China, Kenya has expanded its use of renewable energy sources, particularly geothermal and wind power, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
A Shared Future of Mutual Respect and Cooperation
In closing, Mudavadi articulated Kenya’s deep appreciation for China’s continued support and leadership on the global stage. He emphasized that the Kenya-China relationship is built on mutual respect, equality, and peaceful coexistence, principles that both countries hold dear.
“China continues to be the ‘north star’ and a firm voice for many developing countries in an international system that is unfair, unjust, and insensitive to the peculiar needs of developing countries,” said Mudavadi. He reiterated Kenya’s commitment to strengthening this partnership, not only for the benefit of both nations but also for the broader goal of achieving a fairer, more inclusive global order.
As Kenya and China look toward the future, their shared vision of development, modernization, and global cooperation promises to bring even greater opportunities for both countries, solidifying a partnership that has already contributed significantly to Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.
