Kenya is arguably the most cosmopolitan country in Africa. People from all over the world are found within her borders. Nairobi, the nation’s capital, reveals a cornucopia of foreigners going about their activities. Burundians are ubiquitous in its streets selling peanuts and potato crisps. Barbershops and salons are run by Congolese and Rwandans. Somalis own wholesale shops and restaurants. They are also slowly upstaging the Chinese in real estate development.
Europeans and Americans find Kenya great for tech start-ups. Many of them come to Kenya to work for the UN and other international organisations domiciled here and never leave. As the saying goes, “once you go black, you never go back.”
There are many reasons that make Kenya attractive to foreigners. For starters, there is no xenophobia across the length and the breadth of the country. Walking along Mama Ngina Street in Nairobi’s CBD reminds one of London’s Oxford Street. It is impossible to tell a visitor apart from a citizen of the country. No questions are asked. For the most part, no identification is ever required as one goes about their business.
Second, Kenyans are renowned for providing services to the region. Private health infrastructure is at par with the best of the west. The late president of Tanzania, John Magufuli, was treated in a Kenyan hospital. And so was the late Burundi president Pierre Nkurunziza and his family. World class education, from basic to tertiary levels, is consumed by all. Many foreigners like it here. Unlike in the global North, deviant behaviour can be nipped in the bud with a few strokes of a well-placed cane without inviting the sanction of the social services system.
Third, Kenya has a financial system that allows free flow of capital and repatriation of profits. Indigenous banks like KCB, Equity, and I & M have regional presence in multiple countries. Nairobi’s Upper Hill area is replete with banking and insurance giants so that it resembles London or Hongkong or Singapore. It is worth noting that South Africa has just five major banks whereas Kenya has over 40. This proves that the availability of mineral resources is not a prerequisite for the development of a country.
Fourth, Kenya has attractive physical infrastructure. High-speed internet to facilitate the services industry, a network of good roads that extend to the far reaches of the country and an international airport with direct connections to Asia, Europe and America. Further, the country has a relatively independent Judiciary that is not only a trusted arbitrator in trade and other disputes but also acts as a bulwark against the excesses of the government.
There has been an uptick of foreign investment lately proving that the smart money is on Kenya. No doubt there are challenges that abide and that must be redressed if the country is to take its place among the pantheon of global greats. Systemic corruption is one such challenge which the government has committed to reducing within its ranks through zero budgeting, accrual accounting, e-procurement and the Treasury Single Account.
Even more helpful would be a toning down of divisive political rhetoric especially after national elections so that there is a natural segue from one administration to the next.
Mr Khafafa is a public policy analyst
