China to help Kenya set up industries

China’s engagement with Kenya is set to expand with a new focus on industrial development and technology transfer. 

This was the message China’s Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi delivered to President Uhuru Kenyatta Saturday at State House, Nairobi, at the start of the minister’s eight-day tour of Africa. 

Mr Wang said his mission was to strengthen the existing bilateral co-operation between Kenya and China and chart new areas that the two countries can partner. 
He said Kenya is at the stage of industrial take-off and China is ready to support it with its experience of attaining successful industrialisation. 

“China stands ready to share its experiences on industrial zoning and special economic zones and we are ready for more co-operation in these fields,” said Mr Wang. 

He said one method the Chinese government used to succeed in industrialisation was to open up to industrial relocation when it allowed companies from neighbouring countries like Japan to set up shop. This allowed the transfer of technology and skills to the Chinese people until China became advanced.

“Industrial relocation was how China took off and Kenya can benefit from it,” he said. 

The new focus in partnership between Kenya and China will be centred on industrial development, technology transfer, agricultural modernisation and infrastructure development.
The two countries will also partner in mineral exploitation and environmental conservation. 

PEACE AND SECURITY

Mr Wang said China will also work more closely with Kenya on regional peace and security. 

President Kenyatta said Kenya appreciates the partnership. 

“Our relationship is built on the principle of partnership. This is a partnership I want to see increased and cemented to bring mutual benefits,” said the President. 

Mr Kenyatta said Kenya has made tremendous progress over the last decade and this achievement was built on the understanding that it can develop its own solutions. 

“We need you to work with us to link the Eastern Africa region by extending the railway to our neighbouring countries including Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and even the DRC to open up the regional economy,” he said. 

The meeting was attended by Deputy President William Ruto, ICT Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Internal Security Principle Secretary Monica Juma. The Chinese delegation included China’s Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa. 

Speaking to journalists, Mr Wang asked Kenyans to accept the Standard Gauge Railway as it would spur development.

“What Kenya needs now is infrastructure development and therefore it is not about China’s interests,” he said.