Roundup: Kenyan experts speak highly of China's reform drive, economic achievements

As the world once again starts to turn its attention to the upcoming "two sessions" of China's top legislative body and top national advisory body, experts and political analyst here have given positive comments on the country's endeavor to deepen reforms, and lauded the country's economic achievements.

The international community is amazed with China's ongoing reform measures, said Denise Kodhe, executive director of the Institute for Democracy and Leadership in Africa (IDEA).

Kodhe noted that the transformation taking place in China is beyond the estimates of many, and that is a powerful rebutal for those seeking to portray China negatively in terms of democracy and respect for the rule of law.

Development policy analyst Moses Karanja viewed China's reform drive in a more philosophical perspective, saying that the road of reforms anywhere in the world is rife with bumps and thorns, but consistency and goodwill will ultimately be rewarded.

China has not escaped the birth pains of reforms, knowing that some conservative forces are content with the status quo and feel threatened by sweeping reforms at all levels of leadership, Karanja said.

"Nevertheless, the fact that the Chinese leadership has not cowered in its pursuit of reforms is in itself refreshing," he added.

He also noted that the economic slowdown in China is not a cause for hysteria since the Chinese economy is still resilient.

At a time when the world economy is experiencing stagnation and volatility in commodities' market, it is hoped that China could take a leading role in addressing these challenges and a bunch of other pressing issues, Karanja said.

Scholars also said that China has not selfishly enjoyed the benefits of its economic success alone, but shared it with the whole world.

"The second largest economy in the world has reshaped the world order through an ambitious but peaceful development agenda that benefits all. Kenya and many other developing nations are beneficiaries of China's support in many areas: infrastructure, training, technology and commence," said Anita Kiamba, diplomacy scholar from the University of Nairobi.

Kiamba also expressed the belief that the Silk Road initiatives by Chinese President Xi Jinping will "elevate world trade to new heights" and "cement interconnectivity that is good for prosperity and peace." Endi