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More than 100 Chinese enterprises led by Huawei Technologies have committed to enhance their support for economic social programs in Kenya as detailed in the latest Social Responsibility Report of the Kenya China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA).
The report, released today, is the third in its annual series since 2019 and outlines various milestones and Kenyan sectors that Chinese companies participate in strongly.
Themed “New Start, New Chapter”, the report was launched by Mr. Zhou Pingjian, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya in the company of Mr. Zhang Yijun, Minister Counselor of Chinese Embassy, Prof. Arch. Paul M. Maringa, Principal Secretary of Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works, Mr. Paul Ndung’u Kamweru, Director for Asia and Australia Directorate of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Olivia Rachier, Ag. Managing Director of Kenya Investment Authority.
Zhou Pingjian, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya said that 107 Chinese firms, who are members of KCETA, had seen great potential in Kenya’s economy as guided by the government’s Big Four Agenda and Vision 2030.
“KCETA members have over the years demonstrated that their contributions and involvement in the Kenyan economy are a win-win situation for everyone. They have leveraged their key industry-specific advantages and continuously explore their potential during the construction of roads, water conservancy projects, housing, and other infrastructure projects,” he said.
In addressing their contribution to the growth of technological infrastructure and smart devices in Kenya, the report singles out Huawei Technologies for its leading role in growing the local technology sector, including supporting 2,000 students from over 20 local universities using its Talent online platform, the WeLink online conference application, and the iLearning online examination platform. It notes that the Huawei data-free ICT Academy provides Kenyan students with a convenient and new learning approach that has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
In transport infrastructure, the report notes that the Nairobi Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway service had since 2017 transported 6.58 million passengers and nearly 1.53million TEU of cargo. In addition, the report outlines the impact of Chinese firms on Kenya’s affordable housing program under the BIG 4 agenda, as illustrated in the Park Road Affordable Housing Project undertaken by China State Construction Engineering Corp. (Kenya) Limited and which includes 1,370 affordable houses and supporting infrastructure and facilities.
It also notes that Chinese enterprises in Kenya employ more than 60,000 Kenyans with a localization rate exceeding 90%. Other social milestones include renovating and reinforcing the embankments of the Nzoia River and directly saving 20,000 acres of agricultural land and 70,000 people in Busia county from the negative effects of flooding as well as the donation of about Sh65 million worth of medical and protective materials towards efforts to combat the Covid 19 pandemic.
