Examination of China-Kenya Economic Relations between 1993 and 2003

The contemporary international system is characterized by social, economic, and political interactions. The most significant of these are economic integration and globalization, which have brought together various actors in the international system, particularly states. In this regard, states develop foreign policies that seek to achieve their respective national interests and are informed by domestic, regional, and international conditions. Economic relations are essential tools that states deploy to achieve their national interests. The People’s Republic of China has been notably effective in Africa, and its developing diplomatic and economic ties with Kenya, located in the east of Africa, have made it a vital strategic partner. Since 1978, the two countries have established strong economic relations, including bilateral trade, economic investments, and foreign aid. This study examines the economic relations between the two countries from 1993 to 2003, leading up to Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki’s government’s adoption of the "Look East Policy." This article analyzes the initiatives and their consequences that characterized the economic relations between the two countries during the period under review. The study relies primarily on secondary data from official documents, policy documents, newspapers with the highest circulation in both countries, and scientific literature on the subject. Between 1993 and 2003, China-Kenya relations gained economic momentum, and during this decade, steps were taken to strengthen bilateral relations. Additionally, the development of diplomatic and economic relations during this period created a more significant interactions between China and Kenya. These interactions also allowed the two countries to gain economic benefits and a bond over shared interests.