The Kenya China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) released its fourth Social Responsibility Report on Tuesday, reaffirming the commitment of its 104 member companies to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
Zhou Zhencheng, Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, noted that the social responsibility report, themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Shared Future,” holds significant importance as it comprehensively outlines the efforts made by Chinese enterprises in Kenya to fulfil their social responsibilities and their overall impact on the local economy, communities, and environment.
“From building schools to combating pandemics, from afforestation efforts to empowering women, Chinese enterprises have been writing new chapters in China-Africa cooperation through their concrete actions, adhering to the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity, and good faith,” he stated.
He pledged that China will continue to support Kenya in achieving industrialization and economic transformation, advancing cooperation in emerging fields such as renewable energy and the digital economy. He described Chinese enterprises as both bridges and envoys, delivering tangible outcomes and social contributions that enhance China-Kenya cooperation.
The envoy expressed strong belief in the capacity of Chinese enterprises in Kenya to play an even greater role in advancing the country’s development agenda, noting that “Over the years, Chinese enterprises rooted in Kenya have actively promoted the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Kenya’s Vision 2030, becoming a driving force for the development of China-Kenya relations.”
Liu Chenghui, Chairman of KCETA, noted that the association, which brings together Chinese enterprises operating in Kenya, will continue to align their operations with Kenya’s development agenda and Vision 2030 to build a stronger community with a shared future for both countries in this new era.
“Under the guidance of the Chinese Embassy, we not only safeguard the rights and operations of Chinese enterprises in Kenya but also promote the advancement and prosperity of Kenya’s economy and society,” he remarked
According to Liu, Chinese enterprises in Kenya have created various pathways for local residents to access stable employment and development opportunities, thereby fostering vibrant growth in the local economy.
He cited statistics showing that Chinese companies in Kenya employed over 60,000 Kenyan workers between 2022 and 2023, with a localization ratio exceeding 90%. He also highlighted representative projects which not only generated numerous job opportunities for local residents but also provided ongoing support to Kenyan youth in achieving their life goals through diverse vocational skills training programmes.
“Over the past few years, to enhance local living standards and industrial revitalization, Chinese enterprises in Kenya actively improve infrastructure, driven by Chinese quality, speed, solutions, and commitment,” he stated.
“These initiatives continue to support Kenya’s economic and social development through Chinese quality, speed, solutions, and responsibility,” added Liu.
The launch was also attended by Mohamed Daghar, Kenya’s Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Roads and Transport, State Department for Transport; Amb. Jane Makori, Deputy Director General of the Asia and the Pacific Directorate at the State Department for Foreign Affairs; Kenyans working in Chinese companies; as well as beneficiaries of their programmes.
PS Daghar remarked that the launch of the CSR activities report by these enterprises is an affirmation of a strong relationship and friendship that exists between the China and Kenya. He noted that, in addition to government-to-government cooperation, there exists a solid partnership between Chinese enterprises and the Kenyan government. Among other things, he pointed out that Chinese enterprises play a crucial role in the transfer of technology to Kenyans.
“I encourage you to continue the wonderful work you are doing, including your social responsibility efforts. You have made significant contributions to knowledge transfer in all our cooperation. This has led to the transfer of functions to locals, with up to 90% of roles in projects undertaken by the Chinese, such as the SGR,” said the PS.
Amb. Jane Makori, the Deputy Director General of the Asia and Pacific Directorate in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, praised the contributions of Chinese enterprises and reaffirmed the Kenyan government’s commitment to facilitating more players from the Chinese private sector to establish operations locally.
“As a government, we are making deliberate space and effort to encourage more Chinese investments in Kenya. We count on you (KCETA) to bring more businesses from China to invest in Kenya,” she stated, commending the enterprises for embracing CSR as a means to positively impact communities.
To promote economic integration and industrial revitalization in Kenya, the Kenya China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) said Chinese enterprises are actively engaged in constructing local infrastructure. Some notable projects undertaken by the association’s members include the Standard Gauge Railway, Nairobi Expressway, Garissa Solar Power Plant, Kipeto Wind Power Station, Loiyangalani–Suswa High Voltage Power Line, Thwake Multipurpose Dam, Karimenu II Dam, and the Park Road Affordable Housing Project.
In support of the Belt and Road Initiative, KCETA reports that Chinese enterprises in Kenya are also fostering cultural exchanges and expanding the influence of Chinese culture. Additionally, in recent years, he says these enterprises have embraced the concept of green development, implementing various measures to combat climate change and protect the environment.
“STECOL Corporation has vigorously promoted green construction and environmental protection, effectively spreading the importance of eco-friendliness and advancing sustainable project development,” stated KCETA in the report.
As collaboration between Kenya and China deepens, the association emphasizes the need for member enterprises to balance environmental, social, and economic considerations in their activities.
“We encourage and support member companies to participate in environmental protection projects, safeguard the ecosystem, and actively engage in community welfare activities,” said the KCETA chairperson, who is also the Deputy General Manager of CRBC (Kenya).
