Facing East or West, Kenya’s strategic location’s bait

As the scramble for Africa continues, both the East and West persistently court African countries with enticing offerings.

African countries find themselves at the centre of attention, caught in a tug-of-war between the East and West. In their pursuit of influence and resources, both sides employ various strategies to win over African nations. The East, led by China, presents a compelling narrative of economic development and infrastructure projects, promising to uplift African economies.

European countries and the United States predominantly represent the West, and it emphasises democratic ideals, human rights, and help programmes aimed at boosting healthcare and education.

This relentless pursuit by both sides puts African countries in a unique position where they can carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of aligning with either the East or the West, ultimately shaping their own destiny in this global power struggle.

China’s economic impact in Africa has significantly increased over the decades, thanks to substantial investments in infrastructure development, including roads, railways, airports, and seaports. In particular, China’s investments in Kenya have experienced remarkable growth.

President William Ruto’s participation in the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation has also added some goodies in the country’s basket. Kenya sits in a strategically important region, and has consistently attracted attention from both the East and West. But what should Kenya do as it is being wooed from all angles?

As Kenya weighs the decision on whether to align itself with the East or the West, it is crucial to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option. Aligning with the East, particularly China, could bring continued economic growth and development through increased investments and infrastructure.
However, it may also lead to concerns about dependency on a single country and the potential loss of sovereignty.

Aligning with the West could provide access to advanced technology, expertise, and diversified partnerships. It may come with conditions and expectations that could limit the country’s autonomy.

Ultimately, Kenya must carefully evaluate its long-term goals, national interests, and potential consequences of aligning with either side before making a decision that will shape its future. Kenya can create something out of nothing from the interest it gets from the East and West.

By capitalising on the interest it garners, Kenya can create a thriving ecosystem for innovation and development. The diverse perspectives and resources from these two regions can be harnessed to drive technological advancements, entrepreneurial ventures, infrastructure development, climate smart initiatives and sustainable growth.

With the right infrastructure and support systems, Kenya can become a hub for innovation, attracting investors, researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world.
The key is for Kenya to maintain its political, economic and social beauty. This can be our national bait. According to Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in 2020, the total merchandise trade volume of the country reached an impressive $21 billion, accounting for 21 percent of GDP.

Notably, over 16 per cent of this total can be attributed to trade with China. Following closely are the European Union with a trade volume of $2.9 billion, India with $1.8 billion, and the United Arab Emirates with $1.2 billion. The United States, with a trade volume of nearly $1.0 billion, holds the position of Kenya’s fifth-largest trade partner.

By maintaining a neutral stance, Kenya’s interests will continue to rise, ultimately benefiting the country’s overall development. Kenya’s strategic engagement with the East and West has proven wise, allowing the country to diversify its partnerships and maximise its economic potential.

So, let us marvel at Kenya’s ability to create something extraordinary out of the interest it garners from both the East and the West.
— The writer is an innovations evangelist and a PhD candidate.
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