Sino-Kenyan relations a transformative partnership in development and cooperation

A general view of  Nairobi Expressway on April 29, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

As China marked its 75th anniversary on October 1, 2024, the occasion offered a moment to reflect on the country’s incredible transformation and its evolving global influence.

For Kenya, China’s rise has been particularly impactful, cementing itself as the largest trading partner and a key development ally. From infrastructure to technology and trade, the Sino-Kenyan partnership stands as a testament to the benefits of mutual cooperation.

The People’s Republic of China was established on October 1, 1949, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, following the end of a protracted civil war. Over the subsequent decades, China embarked on a path of modernisation, moving from a largely agrarian society to becoming the world’s second-largest economy by 2024.

China’s economic reforms, starting in 1978, opened its doors to foreign investment, initiated industrial growth, and integrated the country into the global economy. This evolution has not only transformed China domestically but also made it a pivotal player in global development, particularly through its engagement with Africa.

China’s relationship with Kenya, and Africa as a whole, is best understood through the lens of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac). Launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, BRI aims to enhance global trade and infrastructure networks by connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through modern ‘Silk Road’ routes.

Kenya, as part of the BRI, has reaped substantial benefits from this initiative, particularly in infrastructure development.

Focac, established in 2000, serves as the primary platform for diplomatic and economic cooperation between China and Africa. Through it, China has pledged to deepen its collaboration with Africa, offering financial assistance, technological know-how, and expertise across various sectors.

Improved connectivity

One of the most tangible impacts of Sino-Kenyan relations can be seen in Kenya’s infrastructure landscape. Chinese companies, particularly China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), have spearheaded major projects that have reshaped the country’s connectivity and economic capabilities.

An example is the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), constructed by CRBC, which connects Mombasa to Nairobi and beyond. Since its inauguration in 2017, the SGR has revolutionised passenger and freight transportation, significantly reducing transit times and easing congestion at Mombasa port.

The SGR has carried over 13 million passengers and has streamlined the movement of goods, contributing to the economic growth of Kenya.

Another project is the Nairobi Expressway, a 27-kilometre road connecting Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Westlands. Constructed under a build-operate-transfer model by CRBC, the road has significantly cut travel times and eased traffic congestion in one of Africa’s busiest cities. It also serves as a model for future public-private partnerships in infrastructure development.

Additionally, CCCC has played a crucial role in constructing the Lamu Port, part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) Corridor. Once fully operational, Lamu Port is expected to serve as a key gateway for landlocked nations such as South Sudan and Ethiopia, further enhancing Kenya’s position as a regional economic hub.

According to a World Bank report, over 400 Chinese companies operate in Kenya, employing approximately 60,000 Kenyans. These companies not only provide employment but also transfer valuable technological and managerial expertise, particularly in sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Further, educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries have flourished, with Chinese scholarships enabling Kenyan students to pursue higher education in China. This academic cooperation has led to a growing pool of experts in fields such as railway engineering and diplomacy, ensuring that Kenya benefits from China’s technological advancements.

As both nations look to the future, the potential for further collaboration in trade, technology, and innovation remains immense, ensuring that Sino-Kenyan relations continue to flourish for decades to come.

The author is an avid commentator on the transport and logistics sector