Kenya’s Vice President William Ruto, a presidential candidate next August, has hinted that he will expel Chinese nationals occupying jobs in his country, in order to free up positions that could be occupied by Kenyans, in the if he is elected president.
Ruto wanted to allay the concerns of a trader who questioned him on Tuesday at an economic forum about the fact that Chinese people are increasingly controlling local businesses in the capital Nairobi, while a Kenyan law gives priority to natives in the event of work that a Kenyan can do.
“Let Chinese nationals roast corn and sell mobile phones (…) We will deport them all to their country (…) All these activities are for Kenyans,” he said. And to insist, “do not worry about foreigners engaged in these activities. We have enough planes to expel them”.
William Ruto, 55, is known for his criticism of economic ties between Kenya and China. Like many observers, the vice-president also believes that if Beijing has financed important infrastructure in Kenya, such as the train line which since 2017 has linked the port city of Mombasa to that of Naivasha via the capital Nairobi, the Middle Kingdom also dragged Kenya into deep debt.
More than that, Beijing’s investments are often accompanied by a large influx of Chinese workers into the country, against the will of the population.
Unsurprisingly, Ruto’s announcement has drawn mixed reactions, between those who approve of his denunciations and those who fear that his statements could impact relations between the two countries or particularly provoke unforeseen measures regarding debt repayment.
The vice-president will face, among others, the opponent Raila Odinga in the race for the supreme magistracy. This former Prime Minister is supported by the outgoing President, Uhuru Kenyatta, who is completing his second term.
By OMA Newsletter N° 754 of 06/23/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
