FOCAC 2024: How Kenya Became a Beacon of China-Africa Partnership
Source：AllAfricaTime：2024-09-10
A lot of projects, such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Nairobi Expressway, have significantly benefited Kenya.
As China and Africa prepare to meet in early September for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, Kenya stands out as a success story in the continent's partnership with China. Over two decades of collaboration have propelled Kenya to a critical stage in its socioeconomic development.
Here are some of the key projects that have significantly benefited Kenya:
The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a 472-kilometer railway built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, has been operational since May 31, 2017. The SGR has created over 74,000 jobs, facilitated technology transfer, and contributed more than 2 percent to Kenya's GDP. It has also reduced local logistics costs by 40 percent, handling six passenger and eighteen freight trains daily. Additionally, the SGR has alleviated congestion and enhanced regional cargo transport, supporting Kenya's economic growth.
The 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway, connecting Mlolongo to Westlands, includes a four-lane dual carriageway, 11 interchanges, and 29 toll plazas. This expressway has reduced travel time from Nairobi's city center to the airport from 90 minutes to 20 minutes and handles up to 84,000 vehicles daily. It created nearly 7,000 jobs during construction and over 500 ongoing jobs, while utilizing substantial local resources. The project has eased congestion, improved Nairobi's global image, and supports Kenya's Vision 2030 economic goals.
The Nairobi Western Bypass, a 15-kilometer section of the Nairobi Ring Road developed by China Road and Bridge Corporation, has significantly improved Nairobi's infrastructure. It created over 6,000 local jobs, with a 96.7 percent localization rate, and utilized over 90 percent local materials. The completed bypass has eased traffic congestion, reduced commuting times, and enhanced urbanization.
These projects demonstrate the depth and breadth of Kenya's cooperation with China, showcasing how this partnership has contributed to Kenya's economic growth and development. As the FOCAC summit approaches, Kenya's experience stands as a testament to the potential benefits of such international collaborations.
Editor: AllAfrica
