Financing for Development and Socio-Ecological Transitions: A Review of Chinese Investments in Kenya

Abstract

Kenya has adopted a comprehensive development path to accelerate and create suitable conditions for sustainable development as outlined in the “Vision 2030.” A key strategy is the catalytic role of bilateral loans and finances which have increased in manifolds over the years. However, a growing and critical discourse has emerged about the social-ecological sustainability in the Chinese-financed development projects, within the context of China-Africa engagement policy. China is playing significant role in the economic growth of developing countries and in particular, critical investments in productive sectors. This paper examines the development-induced displacement and resettlement (DIDR) framework and explores the social-ecological impacts and outcomes of some selected Chinese-financed projects in Kenya. The paper also examines the various social-ecological guidelines and standards issued by Chinese authorities over-time, for their overseas investments and operations. It concludes that contemporary Chinese-financed development and investments in Kenya are resulting in increasing, improving and sustainable social-ecological outcomes.