Kenya Seeks BRICS Membership with Support from China
Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant diplomatic move, Kenyan President William Ruto has formally approached China to gain support for Kenya’s bid to join BRICS, a group of the world’s emerging economies. This development came to light during bilateral talks in Nairobi with Lishi, a top Chinese official, who concluded an official visit to Kenya on Tuesday.
BRICS, originally founded as BRIC before the inclusion of South Africa in 2010, consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This year, the group expanded to include Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Egypt, while Saudi Arabia has accepted an invitation but has yet to officially join the bloc. BRICS aims to challenge the political and economic dominance of the West by bringing together some of the most significant developing countries. The expanded BRICS group now represents approximately 45% of the world’s population and 28% of the global economy. Notably, BRICS countries collectively produce about 44% of the world’s crude oil.
President Ruto’s request for China’s backing is part of a broader strategy to align Kenya with the BRICS bloc, potentially opening up new economic and trade opportunities. This would increase use of local currency to promote intra-Africa trade, reducing dependency on the US dollar. Kenya is grappling with a massive $82 billion debt and has criticized international lenders like the IMF and World Bank for high-interest rates and stringent loan conditions that have disproportionately affected the poor. The prospect of joining BRICS offers an alternative to these multilateral lenders, providing access to the BRICS New Development Bank, which offers slightly lower interest rates.
However, the path to BRICS membership is not without challenges. Ethiopia, which recently joined BRICS, had defaulted on its debt just before its membership, raising questions about the financial stability required for new members. Moreover, Kenya’s existing relationships with Western countries, particularly the United States, could be affected by aligning with BRICS. The US recently granted Kenya non-NATO major ally status, a significant designation that South Africa, a BRICS member, does not hold. This balancing act between Western alliances and new partnerships with BRICS is delicate and could have broad implications for Kenya’s economic and diplomatic policies.
China’s role in Kenya’s potential accession to BRICS is pivotal. Kenya owes a significant portion of its debt to China, including loans for major infrastructure projects like the Mombasa-Nairobi railway. Beijing’s support for Kenya’s BRICS membership could be influenced by these financial ties and the broader geopolitical landscape.
In summary, Kenya’s bid to join BRICS presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it promises economic diversification, reduced dependency on Western financial institutions, and a stronger voice on the global stage. On the other hand, it risks straining relationships with key Western allies and navigating the complex dynamics of BRICS membership criteria and expectations. The coming months will reveal how Kenya balances these competing interests and whether it can secure a place within the BRICS bloc.
