In a significant diplomatic pivot, Kenya, a longstanding ally of the United States in East Africa, has sought China’s support for its bid to join the BRICS economic bloc, which already includes powerhouse economies such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Kenyan President William Ruto’s administration confirmed the request on November 4, following a high-level meeting with Li Xi, the Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of China’s ruling Communist Party. This move underlines Kenya’s push to diversify its economic alliances and reduce its dependence on traditional Western partners, particularly amid ongoing economic challenges at home.

The BRICS coalition, a formidable economic alliance that expanded this year to include Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, now represents approximately 46 prcent of the global population and accounts for over 36 prcent of the world’s GDP. This expansion comes amid global shifts, with developing nations increasingly looking to strengthen alliances outside Western-centric frameworks. Kenya, like several other African nations, has observed the benefits of BRICS membership, especially as the group prioritizes trade and development funding across diverse economies. Analysts in Kenya have been urging the government to take advantage of BRICS membership, pointing to the new entries of Ethiopia and Egypt as signals that Kenya’s inclusion could bring substantial economic benefits.

The decision to seek China’s endorsement is not without context. China has emerged as one of Africa’s leading economic partners, investing heavily in infrastructure and development projects across the continent. For Kenya, whose economy has been hit hard by a cost-of-living crisis and recent political upheaval, closer ties with China and BRICS could provide much-needed financial support and strategic advantages.

Kenya has faced a challenging economic environment in recent years, with rising inflation, high unemployment, and a........

© Blitz