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Friday, March 22, 2024

The Plusses and Minuses of the Chinese-built Railway in Kenya

 Public Seminar posted on 18 March 2024 a commentary titled "The New Silk Road: China's Belt and Road Initiative Provokes Divided Narratives in Kenya" by Keren Zhu, The New School.

The Chinese-funded and built standard gauge railway in Kenya has provoked a heated debate between proponents of the project's economic benefits and those concerned with its socio-environmental risks.  The author concludes that while the railway was a success for many stakeholders, its long-term effect on Kenya is highly uncertain.

Comment:  The article indicates that the railway is an example of China's investment abroad.  In fact, it is an example of Kenya's investment in itself because Nairobi must pay the Chinese companies for building the project.