Feature: Kenyans hail China's rise, upbeat about future cooperation

China's meteoric rise over the past decades has not only inspired developing countries but also unleashed benefits for citizens from all walks of life, Kenyan experts told Xinhua during separate interviews on Sunday.

The experts drawn from various disciplines agreed that China's rapid economic progress and social renewal over the past several decades has redefined multilateral affairs.

Professor Michael Chege, a distinguished economist and former advisor to Kenya's ministry of planning said Beijing's historic leap forward has been an inspiring point of reference for African leaders, policymakers and scholars.

"Our perception of China started to change after progressive economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping more than three decades ago started to bear fruit. I would say that African and Kenyan scholars noticed and admired this economic revival in China," Chege said.

He noted that the false narrative about China perpetuated by Western policymakers and media gradually withered as the Asian giant evolved to become an economic, military and diplomatic powerhouse in a record time.

"Some of us grew up with the impression that China was a closed Socialist State that had a fair share of its challenges. By mid-90s. We started noticing great changes in the country that were largely driven by opening up of the economy," said Chege.

"China was making a transition from a predominantly agriculture-based economy to the one that was manufacturing and export oriented. Special economic zones were flourishing in China and many African countries have been striving to replicate this model back home,"Chege told Xinhua.

He emphasized that China's current status as the world's second largest economy will stand the test of time.

"There is no denying China is an economic powerhouse. In Africa, we have benefited from China's rise. It is a leading importer of our primary commodities like oil and metals," said Chege.

He predicted that Sino-Kenya ties will grow stronger as Nairobi court investors from the middle kingdom to grow its economy and create additional jobs.

Martin Nguru, a Diplomacy scholar at the University of Nairobi said that compared to three decades ago, Kenyans are now more aware of China and its positive contribution to their country's economic growth.

"The larger Kenyan society at some point never considered China a force to reckon with largely due to mischaracterization of the country by our former colonial masters. The end of the cold war changed this perception as China started to rise and reassert its clout in the multilateral system," Nguru remarked.

He added that China's active engagement with Kenya has unleashed immense benefits to local communities.

"China's support to Kenya has brought many changes. Look at the Thika Superhighway, Kasarani Stadium or the University of Nairobi towers; all these landmarks are associated with China," Nguru said.

As perceptions about China change, Kenyans also look forward to improved bilateral ties with China in critical areas like trade and skills transfer.

Professor George Gongera, a human resource development expert told Xinhua that Sino-Kenya cooperation in technical training will have profound impact on the east African nation's economy.

"We need a skills exchange program with China such as apprenticeship in which Kenyans can sharpen their skills in sectors like mining and infrastructure," said Gongera.

On his part, Daniel Mokua, a Nakuru based graphic designer hailed Sino-Kenya bilateral trade that has blossomed lately.

"All I see around is Chinese products from footwear, phones, cooking pans and even cosmetics unlike in the 90s when most of these products came from India, Japan or South Korea," said Mokua.

Muthoni Kimonyi, the Chair, Nakuru Central Juakali Association said an influx of Chinese tourists to Kenyan scenic attractions will benefit informal traders.

"We want Chinese tourists to come to Kenya in large numbers and consider them potential customers to our products such as curios," Kimonyi said.

"China now has reduced poverty level and has many wealthy individuals. China is now a major player globally. It is now a major donor to Kenya. It has expertise in undertaking infrastructure projects such as roads," said Lawrence Maingi, student at Kenya Methodists University.

"Chinese business community will have a bigger role in Kenya. I think more Kenyans now want to go to China to study at universities in order to acquire knowledge," Maingi said. Endit