Chinese businesses changing lives of local communities in Kenya

The recent surge of Chinese companies investing in Africa has made it evident that besides seeking profits, Chinese investments also create economic opportunities that mutually benefit their own and their host economies.

According to He Xiang, the general manager of Jiangxi Water and Hydropower Construction Kenya Ltd, their belief in uplifting the communities in which they operate is driven by the Chinese culture of mutual respect between businesses and the workforce, local communities and government hosts. 

"We believe that while we are doing business in Kenya, we need to make a contribution to the Kenyan people, so that children can study in spacious classrooms and so that people affected by disasters can have food and water. This is how we play our part in fostering the friendship between China and Kenya," He said.

Jiangxi Water and Hydropower Construction Ltd recently spent over $40,000 to build classrooms and rehabilitate the playground at Antuambui Primary School in Meru county. The company has also built roads and donated food, money and relief items during the 2017 drought in Kenya.

Beyond offering direct aid and assistance, Chinese companies also have helped many African youth get out of unemployment. The organizers of the 2019 China-Kenya Expo included a job fair as a side event, which saw hundreds of job-seeking Kenyan youth troop in to seek employment opportunities.

Speaking at the job fair, Wu Zhenhua, a recruitment officer from China Communication Construction Company, said that they believe in growing local talent. That is why they are always on the lookout for local youth to join their company.

"We are hoping to fill 10 positions in our company through this job fair. Those who become successful will be adequately trained because other than creating employment, we also believe in skills transfer that will enable the youth become more productive in building their country's economy," Wu said.