Kenya responds to claims of ditching China for US
3 min read
Kenya dismisses claims of leaning towards the US and ditching China after Ruto took over power
Kenya dismisses claims of leaning towards the US and ditching China after Ruto took over power.
On May 3, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei denied reports that Kenya was shifting its allegiance away from China and toward the US.
Korir defended the administration of President William Ruto by stating that the 2010 Promulgated Constitution permitted the government to interact with development partners based on particular interests.
Korir went on to say that the intentions of Kenya and the US coincided, making the new agreements reached between them between September 2022 and April 2023 necessary.
“We look neither East nor West, we look forward. Our constitution predisposes us as a country regarding who to relate with best. Openness and democracy are values that predispose us to work very closely with countries that are democratic, just like ourselves.
“That defines why we are very close to the United States, it is because we have certain shared fundamental values,” Korir explained.
Korir underlined that China was still a crucial development partner for Kenya despite the growing ties between President Ruto and his US counterpart, Joe Biden.
The foreign affairs PS underlined that Beijing was working with Kenya to address a number of economic issues.
He also praised the Chinese government, claiming it was one of the nation’s largest investors in infrastructure.
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Thika Superhighway, and the Nairobi Expressway are a few of the projects that Chinese corporations have funded.
“But in the same vein, we are a very practical, pragmatic country. In that regard, we are very attracted to the idea of China providing and working with us on practical solutions to deal with some of the economic challenges that we may have,” Sing’oei stated.
“I have seen huge investments by China by now in infrastructure and other areas and Kenya wants to build a friendship with countries that can make a contribution to our values to deepen our democratic credibility at our democratic systems but more fundamentally to grow our economy and enable our people to become more empowered,” he insisted.
Miguna Miguna slams Raila for skipping Tuesday’s demonstrations
China gives Kenya the smallest loan since 2008 in a fresh shift
Uhuru moves to reclaim his position after being ousted from Jubilee party
US report ranks Kenya second most preferred country by American investors
However, Korir maintained that Ruto’s administration was open to working with all the development partners. According to the CS, future engagements will follow the United Nations Charter.
“We will continue to forge friendships East or West, but on matters of principle, we will be able to stand very steadfastly on the principles of the United Nations Charter, and on that, I think we will be unswayed,” he observed.
Korir’s sentiments came after China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin denied claims that Beijing had trapped Kenya with debts.
Wang indicated that China was helping Kenya address poverty and bolster development.
“China is not the source of debt trap for African countries, but a partner lifting them out of a poverty trap,” Wang stated.
Before the 2022 General Election, the Kenya Kwanza administration spoke against China, accusing it of debt-trapping the nation.
Also read,
How Raila kept police busy chasing after his motorcade while hold up in a meeting
US-Kenya announces $55 mn co-investments in apparel sector at a roadshow
Kenyans ranked among the best paid in Africa- Report
A US family announces 300 million shillings in scholarships for Kenyans living near dumpsites
Follow us
