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2021 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

8. Brics–Africa Cooperation in Perspective: The Case of Kenya

Author : Westen K. Shilaho

Published in: The BRICS Order

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

BRICS–Africa relations have aroused interest. This relationship reinforces South-South cooperation and historical ties that, in some cases, predate colonialism. If optimally harnessed, this relation has the potential and capacity to disperse global power, and enhance a multipolar world, restore multilateralism and help Africa overcome its social and economic shortfalls. This chapter argues that this relationship is equally skewed since BRICS’ interests in Africa are basically mercantilist, evidently even in peacekeeping operations and military cooperation. The case of China’s infrastructure investments in Kenya, for instance, is used to highlight opportunities and enormous costs of this asymmetrical relationship primarily because of China’s obvious competitive edge that dovetails with inherent governance deficiencies in Kenya to the detriment of Kenya’s citizens.

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previous chapter China–India Strains: Whither the BRICS?

next chapter African Perceptions of the BRICS: Optimistic, Pessimistic or Pragmatic?

Sections of this chapter appeared in UJCI Africa-China Policy Brief, 5 March 2018, under ‘Sino-Kenyan Cooperation: Whither the West?’

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Title: Brics–Africa Cooperation in Perspective: The Case of Kenya
Author: Westen K. Shilaho
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Book: The BRICS Order
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-62764-5

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-62765-2

Copyright Year: 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62765-2_8

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