Some People Do Not Learn from Mistakes

This article delves into the ongoing issue where individuals, organisations, and nations neglect to learn from past errors, using Kenya’s financial entanglements with China as a current case study. Despite countless warnings from local audits and international experiences, Kenya’s leadership persists in pursuing risky infrastructure projects funded by Chinese loans, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative. The Standard Gauge Railway project serves as an example of the repercussions of such uncritical partnerships, as operational revenues fail to meet loan repayment obligations. By drawing on theories from cognitive psychology, political economy, and historical analysis, the article investigates how confirmation bias, short-term political incentives, lack of transparency, and dependency patterns sustain cycles of economic vulnerability. Comparisons with countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Tanzania emphasise Kenya’s unwillingness to modify its strategy even in light of apparent global lessons. Ultimately, this case highlights the vital need for historical awareness, reflective governance, and institutional learning mechanisms to safeguard against recurring strategic failures and the erosion of national sovereignty.