A number of experts from various fields suggested on Thursday that Kenya could glean valuable lessons from China’s economic development model to achieve its growth objectives.
During a roundtable meeting focused on the opportunities emerging from China’s development, the experts highlighted how China’s people-centric policy-making engages all citizens in tackling the nation’s most pressing challenges. This discussion coincided with a commitment from Chinese investors to increase local investments and enhance Kenya’s development landscape.
The roundtable, organized by China Media Group in Nairobi, featured several experts advocating for a governance model that offers practical solutions to the challenges facing Kenya and the African continent.
Prof. Patrick Maluki from the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies at the University of Nairobi highlighted that while China has made significant strides in industrialisation and manufacturing, its stability—anchored in people-centred policies—could serve as a model for Kenya and the entire African continent.
“Development of a country stems from its leadership. Therefore, if we observe that China has made advancements, it is true that its leadership is commendable. Good leadership is one that arises from the people and is utilized for the benefit of the citizens,” He said
“The leadership in China has involved its citizens in the development planning process, which has brought benefits to the entire populace. We need to emulate China in terms of accountability and implement plans that are advantageous for the people,” he added while reflecting on the lessons that can be drawn from the ongoing annual meeting of China’s legislative and advisory bodies, known as the Two Sessions.
Prof. Maluki stated that the international community is closely observing these sessions, as they provide insight into the direction the world’s second-largest economy will take over the coming 12 months.
He indicated that several issues highlighted in the government work report delivered by Chinese Premier Li Qiang will most likely have a positive impact on the economies of countries like Kenya and many others in the Global South.
His views align with those of Cavince Adhere, an international relations scholar, who observed that the attention given to China, particularly by African leaders, stems from the commitment of the East Asian nation to support the continent in achieving its development aspirations.
Adhere explains that China’s emphasis on technology transfer and innovation has driven its economic transformation. He believes that Kenya could benefit from similar partnerships with China, highlighting the importance of acquiring new technologies and knowledge to enhance productivity in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
“Many people, particularly in developing nations, are looking to China to understand the policies that will emerge from the Two Sessions. Developing countries view China as a long-term partner—a dependable ally that has recently established a foundation for cooperation over the next three years,” he said, referring to the Ten Partnership Actions announced during the FOCAC meeting in Beijing last year.
Adhere firmly believes that, regardless of how the relationship between China and Africa develops, the framework for collaboration is already in place.
“The interest in China stems from its role as a consequential development partner and a leading source of technologies, as demonstrated through Deepseek and Artificial Intelligence. It is also in terms of innovation and industrial expansion, green energy vehicles, and a strong source of investments, with many Chinese companies establishing a presence in Africa,” he stated.
Joseph Maritim, the Deputy Chairperson of an association of Kenyan students who studied in China, pointed out that China leads the world in several areas of advanced technology. He singled out significant strides made by China in artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, electric vehicles, and other fields that continue to attract global attention.
“These modern technologies also present a great opportunity for Africa, which seeks to enhance cooperation with China in establishing data centres and accessing cloud computing services, in order to avoid being left behind in the new era,” he said
They also discussed how China currently provides platforms that Kenya and the broader African continent can utilize for sustainable development.
Chinese investors in Kenya have committed to funding programmes that stimulate the country’s growth by targeting special economic zones and promoting manufacturing, which could enhance exports and generate jobs.
“We are pleased to have established a factory in the Export Processing Zone. We now provide around 700 direct job opportunities to Kenyans. My group has a long-term investment plan for Kenya. In the first phase, we are building a warehouse for garment manufacturing, and in the coming years, we intend to expand into dyeing and printing fabrics,” said Luo Jun, the Country Manager for GS Textile Industries Kenya.
“For Kenya, we are patient and confident in investing here. We are happy to be in Kenya,” he added.
Under the leadership of the Chinese government, investors noted that, beyond creating jobs, they are focused on empowering local communities with relevant industry skills to contribute to development.
“We bring in machinery and experts, and we train local people to acquire skills. We transfer our management methods to them and introduce international buyers to Kenyan-made products,” said Luo.
During the meeting, officials from the Kenya Investment Authority, the Export Processing Zones Authority, and the Special Economic Zones Authority advocated for Kenya, highlighting the country’s continuous improvements in its investment climate.
Pius Rotich, the General Manager for Investment Promotion and Business Development at the Kenya Investment Authority, reiterated that, as a key indicator of China’s economy, he is closely monitoring how this year’s Work Report from the Chinese government will outline economic priorities. He noted that, as the world’s second-largest economy, the policies discussed during China’s Two Sessions have implications that extend beyond national borders.
He pointed out that there are currently around 3,000 Chinese companies operating in Africa, creating significant opportunities as a result. Furthermore, he mentioned that the Authority seeks to gain deeper insight into the Chinese market through the government’s Work Report to develop a strategic approach for maximum benefit.
“We plan to visit China both physically and virtually at least three times a year. This is because out of the ten investors that make inquiries at the Kenya Investment Authority, seven of them (70-75%) are from China, and they generally convert their interest into actual investments,” Rotich stated.
John Kilonzo, the Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Industry, remarked that China is one of Kenya’s key business partners due to its substantial manufacturing capabilities. He highlighted that Kenya will continue to provide suitable opportunities for Chinese investors to conduct business in the country for the benefit of its citizens.
“Machakos is like an industrial hub. It is an area where many investors choose to establish their factories, and most of them come from China. We want to create opportunities for them to work with us because there are benefits for us. The primary benefit is job creation. Our youth are gaining employment in the factories located in the Export Processing Zone,” he noted.
They were speaking during a roundtable meeting in Nairobi convened by China Media Group to discuss ongoing deliberations in China’s “Two Sessions”, a major political gathering that comprises the National People’s Congress (NPC) – the legislature, and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) consultative forum, in China’s capital Beijing.
