China-kenya Relations Effect on Kenya’s Economic, Social and Political Issues

Abstract

The Kenya – China relationship is affecting Kenya’s political, social and economic landscape. China has made Kenya a key focus for trade and economic strategy in Africa because it sees it as a gateway into the region. Even with the existing relationship, China has had with Africa, African and western intellectuals are raising concerns over the strategies and tactics china employ in the search for resources. Because both parties benefit in a way, the relationship is likely to continue. It’s crucial to some African countries as it offers distinct rules of the game and development model proposed as the “Beijing Consensus” following its strong interest in the African continent. Specifically, the study sought to: (1) establish the link amid Kenya and china regarding medical and trade growth; (2) to establish the evolution of infrastructure in Kenya and how it has led to building working relationships with China; and (3) to determine the influence of FDI received from China have on Kenya’s relation with other states. The research utilized a descriptive and explanatory study approach. The data was obtained from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), empirical studies by others published in journal articles, Kenya Urban Roads Authority, from People's Republic of China in the Republic of Kenya, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya, United Nations, Kenya Rural Roads Authority, and Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The study is both qualitative & quantitative data in nature in that it offers a comprehensive account of China’s engagement in infrastructure development in Kenya within a particular time period of the 21stcentury. According to the findings, FDI has continued to grow through Kenya’s service and manufacturing industry, and the interest in Kenya by china has increased to include mining and mineral exploration. These trends are in conformity with the hypothesis that Kenya-China ties seek to attain physical developmental outcomes, and the terms are promising and are also boosting the relationship between Kenya and other states. Also, China sees Kenya as an entry point to East Africa and it’s the point of focus concerning china’s economic and trade approach in African countries. This can be attested through China’s increased investment in many road construction projects. Additionally, China presently gives Kenya leans for technological development, school, and health expansion in underdeveloped regions; China has established centers for malaria prevention and control. It has also offered volunteers to train the local folks. It’s now evident that monetary aid from China is connected to the consumption of their services and commodities, and the only requirement is complying with the “One China” policy as opposed to the policy of “good governance” imposed by western donors.