Human Rights In The Reconfiguration Of Aid Relations: The Case Of China- Kenya Relations

The study explored human rights in the reconfiguration of aid relations with a particular focus to

China- Kenya relations. The study used other African countries such as Zimbabwe, Sudan, and

Angola as cases of illustration to ground the thesis’ argument. The study sought to realize the following objectives: find out the dominant features of China-Africa foreign aid relations, analyze the nature of China-Kenya relations since independence, survey the trend of Kenya’s foreign aid relations, and examine possible links between China-Kenya foreign aid relations and Kenya’s human rights profile. To achieve these objectives, the study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained using interview guides while secondary data was subjected to critical textual analysis and interpretation to test the relevance and accuracy of the document for the purpose of the study. The obtained qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study sought to find out if we could theoretically situate China- Kenya relation among the trend that has defined the relationship between China and other African countries. Thus two variables were analyzed; foreign aid and human rights. The study adopted the Rational Choice theory to explain the Sino Kenyan relations. Sampling was based on purposive technique. Based on these principles, the premises of this study were analysed and it was observed that since 2002, when the NARC government took over power the shift towards China became unprecedented with China rising to become Kenya’s main foreign aid partner. The study found out that ChinaKenya relation since independence has been defined by prevailing global political trends. The study concludes that what is engineering the relations between the two countries partly are pull factors (attractive conditions) and the main pull factor is China’s no strings attached policy. The study reveals that China’s economic concerns far outweigh its interest in enhancing human rights in the country. Although the study highlights the importance of China to Kenya as an important economic partner, it proposes the need to put in place measures to guarantee transparency in dealings between the two countries.