Role of Chinese Economic Diplomacy in Fostering Infrastructural Development in Kenya Since 1963

Winnie Winfrade Awuor Oyugi; Pontian Godfrey Okoth; Elijah Odhiambo

doi:10.51867/ajernet.4.2.84

Authors

Winnie Winfrade Awuor Oyugi
awuoron@yahoo.com
Department of Peace and Conflict Studies Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya
Pontian Godfrey Okoth Department of Peace and Conflict Studies Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8369-9029
Elijah Odhiambo Department of Arts, Governance and Communication Studies, Bomet University College, Kenya

Keywords:

Bilateral diplomacy, Economic Diplomacy, Geopolitics

Abstract

This study investigated the role of Chinese economic diplomacy in fostering infrastructural development in Kenya since 1963. The focus was on how this partnership manifests itself in infrastructure development. This study was anchored on power theory, modernization, and dependency theories, which were triangulated to inform the conceptual framework of the study. This study adopted historical, cross-cultural, and survey research designs. Questionnaires, interview guides, and focus group discussions were the data collection instruments. The study adopted multiple sources of data, ranging from primary to secondary. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used for data analysis and presentation. The data obtained was presented in percentages, pie charts, bar graphs, and tables. The study found that the most popular principle in China-Kenya relations was that of mutual benefit. This study further revealed that Kenya is still largely reliant on its traditional donors for funding and that its relations with China have even strengthened its ties with Western countries. The findings further revealed that Chinese investment in Kenya's development of infrastructure was significantly beneficial to Kenya's informal sector because the lower cadre of employees, who are the majority, are acquiring skills that make them start their own businesses. Kenya should further strengthen its ties with China. Kenyan traders should take advantage of the recent lowering of export tariffs by China to encourage Kenyans to export more products to China. The Kenyan government, through its relevant agencies, should also put in place regulatory measures to ensure that Chinese imports are of standard quality. China should offer more aid to Kenya to mitigate the deficit, or in certain cases, curtail Chinese exports to reduce the imbalance.

Dimensions

REFERENCES

Africa Policy Institute. (2014). China in Kenya: A Tale of Two Dreams. Africa Policy Institute.

Baker, M. (2020). China aims for win-win partnership with African mining sector. Lexology, 23 Jan. 2020.

Bergsten, C.F; Gill, G; Lardy, N.R; Mitchell, D.J. (2007). China: The Balance Sheet: What the world needs to know about the merging superpower. Institute of international Economics.

Bert, F. H. (1960). Sociological Factors in Economic Development. Glencoe: The Free Press.

Bevir, M. (2002) A Decentered Theory of Governance. Journal des Economistes Et des Etudes Humaines, 12(4), 12-15.

https://doi.org/10.2202/1145-6396.1073 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2202/1145-6396.1073

Brautigam, D. (2009). The Dragon's Gift: The Real story of China in Africa. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Chege, S. (2015). SME product development. Nairobi, Kenya: FSD Kenya.

Condon, M. (2012). China in Africa: What the Policy of Non-Interference adds to theWestern Development Dilemma. PRAXIS The Fletcher Journal of Human Security, 27, 5-15. https://sites.tufts.edu/praxis/files/2020/05/1.-Condon.pdf

Dietz, H., & Kyriakos, K. (2012). China's Foreign Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa through Material and Ideational Perspectives (Roskilde University, Global Studies).

Ellis, F., & Biggs, S. (2001) Evolving Themes in Rural Development 1950s-2000s. Overseas Development Institue, Oxford, Development Policy Review, 19, 437-448.

https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-7679.00143 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-7679.00143

Engelskar, T. (2013). China’s Buddhist diplomacy. Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre (NOREF) Report.

Fadhel K. (2002). Positivist and Hermeneutic Paradigm, A Critical Evaluation under their Structure of Scientific Practice, The Sosland Journal, 6(7), 21-28.

Fadhel, K. (2002) Positivist and Hermeneutic Paradigm, A Critical Evaluation under their Structure of Scientific Practice. The Sosland Journal, 3(5), 21-28.

Finkelstein, D.M. (2007). China's National Military Strategy: An Overview of the "Military Strategic Guidelines". Asia Policy 4 (1), 67-72. https://doi.org/10.1353/asp.2007.0017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/asp.2007.0017

Graham, J.L., & Lam, N. M. (2003). The Chinese negotiation. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2003/10/the-chinese-negotiation

Hussain, A., & Tribe, K. (1981). Marxism and the Agrarian Question: German Social Democracy and the Peasantry 1890-1907. Hong Kong: MacMillain Press Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-03961-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-03961-6

Juma, P.W., & Odhiambo, E.O.S. (2021) Geo-Political Factors Influencing Kenya and Tanzania Foreign Policy Behaviour since 1967. Journal of Defense Resources Management, 12, 75-98. http://www.jodrm.eu/currentissue.html

Kang, D. (2007) China Rising-Peace, Power and Order in East Asia. New York: Columbia University Press.

Kothari, C.R. (2004). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. 2nd Edition, New Age International Publishers, New Delhi.

Lenin, VI (1964). The Development of Capitalism in Russia. Moscow: Progress Publishers.

Mbaye, S. (2010). Matching China's Activities with Africa's Needs. In A Harniet-Sievers and S. Mark and S. Naidu (eds), Chinese and African Perspectives on China in Africa. Oxford: Pambazuka, pp.39-53.

Mohajan, H. (2018). Qualitative Research Methodology in Social Sciences and Related Subjects. Published in: Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, 7 (1), 23-48. https://doi.org/10.26458/jedep.v7i1.571 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26458/jedep.v7i1.571

Morazan, P., Knoke, I., Knoblauch, D. & Schafer, T., (2012). The role of brics in the developing world. European Union, Brussels. https://doi.org/10.2861/75486

Nye J. Jr. (2005). Soft power: The Means to Success in World Politics. Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University.

Ochieng, O., Okoth, P. G. (2015). The Praxis of China-Sudan Bilateral Economic Relations. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Asian journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2(2), 15-23.

OECD. (2002). Development Co-operation Directorate: DAC glossary of key terms and concepts. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Patroba, H. (2012). China in Kenya: Addressing Counterfeit Goods and Construction Sector Imbalances. Johannesburg: South African Institute of International Affairs.

Pillsbury, M. (2000). China Debatesthe Future Security Environment. Washington, D.C.: National Defense University Press. https://doi.org/10.21236/ADA421925 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21236/ADA421925

Randall, V., Theobald, R. (1998). Dependency Theory and the Study of Politics. In Political Change and Underdevelopment. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-26856-6_5.

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-26856-6_5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-26856-6_5

Robin, R. (2000). "ASEAN and Non-Interference: A Principle Maintained. Contemporary South. East Asia Journal. Vol. No. 4 pg. 21-25. http://www.highbeam.com.

Smith, A.D. (1973). The Concept of Social Change. London: Routledge and Kjegab Paul.

Sun, Y. (2015). The Sixth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation: New Agenda and New Approach? Foresight Africa: top priorities for the continent in 2015 the Brookings institution/Africa growth initiative

Tjonneland, E.N. (2015). Developing Angola's Infrastructure: What is SADC's role? Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI). https://www.cmi.no/publications/file/4013-developing-angolas-infrastructure.pdf

UNICEF. (2012). Whitepaper on China's Foreign Aid. United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.

Wakhungu, J.P., Okoth, G.P., & Odhiambo, E.O.S. (2020) Challenges and Opportunities Constraining and Enhancing Kenya and Tanzania Participation in the EAC Econo-Political Integration Process. Open Journal of Political Science , 11, 134-154. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojps.2021.111009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ojps.2021.111009

Wanjiku, S. (2018). Effects of Kenya's bilateral relations with China on Economic Growth of Kenya (2000-2015). (Master's Thesis, Kenyatta University).

Wasike, S. and Odhiambo, E.O.S. (2016) A Critique of the Usefulness of Theories in Explaining Socio-Political Phenomenon. Asian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3, 29-33.

Weber, M. (1947). The Theory of Social and Economic Organizations. New York: Free Press.

World Bank. (2013).Time to shift gears, Accelerating growth and poverty reduction in the new Kenya. World Bank.