ADHERE CAVINCE: President Ruto’s visit golden opportunity for China partnership

President William Ruto’s state visit to China opens a valuable opportunity for him and his delegation to undertake effective pitches for a development partnership. Beijing maintains a foreign policy of non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries.

At the same China, has come up with various cooperation platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) as well as avenues like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

From the perspective of Focac and the initiatives, partner countries have the opportunity to make suggestions and recommendations on how they see China as a development partner.

It means an open canvas on which countries can paint their development aspirations and comparative advantages to Chinese partners.

China today boasts the most comprehensive industrial value chains and the largest consumer market in the world. Kenya’s development aspirations spanning agriculture, industrialisation, infrastructure connectivity and energy sufficiency can be achieved with strategic and targeted cooperation with China.

Direct flights between Kenya and China, upgrades in export capacity, and willingness of China to welcome Kenyan produce is an incentive Nairobi should take advantage of.

China’s readiness to play the role of transhipment hub for Kenyan produce like fresh flowers makes it possible for Kenya to access other Asian markets. Kenya’s commercial diplomacy should prioritise new product lines to China.

There is enthusiasm among Chinese investors to commit capital and technology in Kenya. Kenya has a stable political environment, educated youth and coveted geolocation. Nairobi offers Chinese investors value for money. Embracing public-private partnerships has proven effective in building infrastructure, including extension of the SGR, without adding to public debt.

To move beyond food security to food sovereignty, Kenya can leverage Chinese agricultural technologies to improve production, reduce poverty and reposition the largest sector for economic growth. Ideas like the China-supported Modern Agricultural Demonstration Area at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology have proven effective in boosting productivity of local food crops.

Finally, the visit allows President Ruto and President Xi Jinping to deepen political consultation and strengthen the enduring partnership for mutual gain.

Cavince is a China-Africa scholar