China and Africa
By Charles Wanguhu
A lot of column inches have been taken up trying to dissect the emerging Sino-African relations. In Africa more and more Chinese goods as well as people are visible. The Africa -West relationship has been largely characterized as an aid relationship or “carrot stick diplomacy”. Experimental policies such as the structural adjustment programmes have been imposed on African governments as well as the push for democratization of the 90’s are still seen by many as the defining moment of the relations.
Africa was therefore used to the branding associated with Aid projects with big signs in infrastructure projects proclaiming “the construction of this road has been made possible by the funding received from the European Union”. Similarly foods received in humanitarian aid labeled “aid by the American people” were all common features.
The Chinese were viewed as subtle in their approach and were said to have a non-interference policy which many in Africa viewed as a corruption conduitfor the already crooked governments. However, It is now not rare to run across trucks labeled China Yu carrying out road construction works around the country. On the major road to the Jomo Kenyatta International airport a highway constructed by a Chinese company now appears a big metal structure spanning the entire road proclaiming China and Kenya with a big handshake with a love heart. Signs of a long relationship???
Well the Chinese exploration of oil in north eastern Kenya if it yields commercial viable deposits will be a key milestone in Sino-Kenyan relations. Managing the expectation of the surrounding community as well as the whole country is crucial. A discovery of oil will not change the country fortunes overnight and will not eradicate poverty with one masterstroke.
With its growing economies need for resources there shall be increased activity by the chinese in Africa. The so called “resource curse” will eventually shape the Sino-African relations.
