Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Africa Policy Institute Prof. Peter Kagwanja has explained why President William Ruto received a cold reception during his visit to China.
Speaking on Wednesday October 25, Prof Kagwanja said small countries like Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ethiopia got better reception including red carpets in China as compared to Ruto.
Further, he explained that President Ruto reception was a result of Kenya’s weak relationship with China.
“Ethiopia even got the Chinese traditional dancers at the airport to receive the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He had a red carpet from the plane up to his destination. When you compare with our case, it is different because we have not invested in our friendship with China,” he said.
China Economic Dominance
Prof Kagwanja said the world is experiencing the second wave of cold war brought by the emergence of China as a major economic and superpower.
“When you read writings from the University of Harvard and other major institutions from the West, the tone changed from 2014.
Things like the CDs truck meaning when there is a rising power the old power responds by declaring war,” he said.
For this reason, Prof Kagwanja explained that developing countries like Kenya have a challenge on how to operate amidst the cold war.
Moreover, he said the Kenyan government has not reconfigured its foreign policy in terms of the new cold and the countries national interest.
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“Where is our money and where should our mouth be? We have not taken that into account,” he said.
Additionally, he explained that the economic dominance of Western nations is declining.
According to Kagwanja, Western countries have focused more on wagging war on different parts of the globe at the expense of their economic growth.
“You cannot wage war for seventy years across the globe and expect to still become a power. Economic growth has everything to do with stability,” he said.
He gave an example of the United States of America (USA) which he described as a waring nation.
On contrary, he said China has never caused a major war since war since 1949 and is benefiting economically from such stability.
Kagwanja advised President Ruto to work with China, India, USA, Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico who he says will be major partners in terms of economic development by 2050.
Also Read: Ruto Praises China, Announces SGR Extension Plans
Ruto in China
President Ruto arrived in China on October 15 with keen interest in building Kenya’s relations with China.
Ruto met Chinese President Xi Jinping who agreed to open markets to Kenyan agricultural produce and complete infrastructure programmes.
Further, Ruto attended the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese Energy International Group.
Additionally, Ruto signed a MoU with Huawei to accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation.
“Met Chinese President Xi Jinping; agreed to open Chinese markets to Kenyan agricultural produce and ensure completion of infrastructure programmes.
China is a valued partner in Kenya’s development journey. We shall stay the course of partnership, collaboration and cooperation for the mutual advancement of both nations and our citizens, Ruto stated.
