Last year, in November, during a visit from Li Xi, the secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the ruling Communist Party of China, Kenyan President William Ruto publicly expressed his country’s aspiration to join BRICS. Ruto specifically appealed to China for support in Kenya’s pursuit of membership in this influential group.
This request underscores Kenya’s ambition to stimulate economic growth and bolster its regional and global standing in rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics. Experts in diplomacy based in Nairobi contend that similar to numerous other nations in the Global South, Kenya aims to engage with a global economic framework that aligns with the interests of developing countries by joining BRICS.
Sovereignty
John Mbiti, a researcher and policy analyst at the Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), asserts that BRICS represents a significant and influential coalition both economically and geopolitically, and thus, “Kenya has every right to align herself with such a bloc.” He emphasizes that the shifting landscape of global geopolitics compels nations, including Kenya, to align with entities that safeguard and respect their political, economic, regional, and international interests.
Mbiti further posits that a primary motivation for Kenya’s interest in BRICS is to liberate itself from Western dominance. He notes, “The majority of African states allied with the West find their economies subject to the control of Western-dominated financial institutions, and many African nations are eager to escape this situation.”
He highlights that influential members of BRICS, such as Russia and China, are known for providing credit facilities to developing nations under more favorable conditions than those offered by traditional lenders like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) by BRICS aims to provide member countries with financing solutions that are both flexible and advantageous.
According to the expert, as a participant in the BRICS alliance, Kenya is poised to gain entry into an extensive economic network characterized by trade agreements less influenced by Western nations’ traditional economic hegemony.
Mbiti emphasizes that Kenya stands to benefit significantly from the substantial investment resources and technological know-how that member countries such as China and Russia contribute to the bloc, which he identifies as essential for Kenya’s ambition to accelerate the modernization of its infrastructure.
The debt problem
In light of the escalating debt, which currently amounts to $81.5 billion, global governance specialist Dr. Christopher Otieno contends that Kenya requires a repayment strategy that safeguards its economic stability.
“Kenya necessitates adaptable financing solutions that do not impose excessive strain on its economy. BRICS is likely to provide alternative financing options that come with fewer limitations,” Dr. Otieno stated. He further noted that joining BRICS “would afford Kenya the essential flexibility to not only manage its substantial debt but also to promote economic initiatives and social development projects without undermining its fiscal independence.”
Dr. Otieno posits that with Russia, China, and India as prominent members of BRICS, Kenya would have the opportunity to enhance bilateral trade relations with these nations while diminishing barriers to its exports, particularly in the agricultural sector. “BRICS represents a vast market, and Kenya’s membership in such a bloc will provide preferential access for its exports of commodities like tea, coffee, and horticultural products,” he remarked.
The expert points out that improved, less restrictive market access could enhance Kenya’s trade balance, generate employment opportunities, and elevate the living standards of millions of Kenyans engaged in agriculture.
Improved diplomatic profile
Dr. Faith Gichuhi, a lecturer in diplomacy at the University of Nairobi, points out that in addition to the significant economic advantages associated with joining BRICS, Kenya has the opportunity to enhance its diplomatic profile on the international stage. She emphasizes that as BRICS emerges as a formidable advocate for the Global South, Kenya could leverage this position to promote its agenda for reforming international institutions, a cause that President Ruto has been actively pursuing.
“As a member of BRICS, Kenya will have access to a supportive platform to advocate for African priorities such as climate action, conflict resolution, and equitable trade practices, thereby elevating its status among nations,” Gichuhi stated.
Previously, Ruto has recognized the alignment between Kenya’s and China’s views on several critical global matters. These include the necessity for reforming the UN Security Council to better reflect contemporary global realities and opposing the misuse of policies and actions that are ostensibly aimed at promoting freedom, democracy, and human rights, which can lead to chaos, subversion, and undemocratic regime changes.
However, Gichuhi cautions that Kenya’s entry into BRICS may provoke adverse reactions from its Western partners and could lead to increased scrutiny from Western allies concerned about losing their influence over Kenya to Russia and China.
Originally, BRICS consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Last year, Egypt and Ethiopia joined as additional African members, while Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda were granted BRICS partner country status. The recent expansion also included new member nations such as the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
According to estimates from the US Global Investors Group, the current BRICS member countries represent over 36% of global GDP. Despite being a significant ally of the United States, Kenya has been working to strengthen its relationships with China and Russia, whose increasing presence in Africa has raised concerns in the West.
In May 2023, Ruto announced that his administration would enhance its ties with Moscow to boost trade volumes. This pledge was made during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who was visiting the capital. He stated, “It is evident that, given the shifting geopolitical landscape, prominent African economies will look to pivot away from the West and engage with the East, with many expressing a desire to align with the BRICS.”
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