China –United States Hegemonic Politics and Capacity Dilemma of East African States: the Case of Kenya

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VII, July 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

China –United States Hegemonic Politics and Capacity Dilemma of East African States: the Case of Kenya

Dr. George Katete
Lecturer, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: Using secondary sources of data including credible governmental reports, international policy groups data and newspaper analysis, this study explores the outcome of hegemonic competition between the western powers led by the United States of America on the one hand and China on the other hand – on the capacity of Kenya. It particularly focuses on the outcome of interactions of the two powers – US and China on Kenya. The study addresses two questions: i) To what extent has Kenya taken full charge of human development by providing an environment through which their citizens’ access to welfare needs are not undermined, in the wake of increased China-Africa infrastructure development? ii) How have responses by the U.S in war against terrorism and other security threats affected the capacity of Kenya to deal with security challenges in the nation? State capacity is defined as the ability of a respective state to responsibly fulfill security functions and provide an amicable environment through which their nationalities can meet their welfare needs reliably, and in a sustainable manner. High capacity states are able to provide public goods including human security, health care and the social and physical infrastructure that promote human development. Low capacity states are limited in their ability to provide these goods leading to low development levels and even state failure. The article concludes that competition of the foreign powers in the east African nations have undermined the implementation of their national plans. Notwithstanding the aid and developmental infrastructure that china is engaged in within Kenya, there are other enterprises that continue to overshadow the Kenyan based middle level income opportunities and the government needs to conform to reality for the survival of the people within the country, who are abandoned – which means that the government is no-longer properly in charge of key responsibilities of security and human development since entry of China in Africa.

1.INTRODUCTION: THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE

When elephants fight, the grass gets trampled ….. African Proverb.

Over the past two decades, the activities by major powers in the continent of Africa have increased dramatically. Numerous forms of political, economic, security and diplomatic relations that exist between the external forces and nations in Africa reveal the outstanding interests embedded in diverse forms of globalization spearheaded by the West and China (Fels 2017, Roy 2013). Two great powers have their footprints in the region, and a bipolar system may be in the offing. (e.g. Copeland 2012, Christensen 2011). In this interconnected world, the relations have largely expanded geopolitical competition and business linkages whereby China’s presence has continuously spread and changed political and economic environment where other states and non-state actors operate within the African continent and in the globe. The global powers create and readjust Africa using the forces of globalism and globalization but the development as observed by proponents of globalization hand china calculative benefits in respective areas of engagement.
This development where China operates smoothly in new terrains in Africa has not gone down well with the West who has historically claimed Africa as being under their control. Leaders from the West have described China as cunning and engaged in arm-twisting African nations to get Africa on their side. This is demonstrated by the remarks made by former presidents of the United States, going back to Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barrack Obama–and supported by the leaders from the UK and France, who echo the respective US administration pessimistic stands on the consequences of the growing Chinese interactions with Africa and Africa’s future (Christensen 2011). They cast dark shadow on China’s shrewdness in Africa and dismiss this relation as not premised on true friendship. Their main accusation on China is that China offers predatory lending to trap the poor countries with huge loans that Africa struggles to offset.

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