In this report, we consider the issue of Kenya’s unsustainable foreign debt. We begin with a general overview of Kenya’s external debt and the governance issues raised. We then examine Kenya’s debt to China. We chose to do this as China is Kenya’s largest bi-lateral creditor. In addition, the recently held Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) afforded an opportunity to recap the long-term credit arrangements between Kenya and China, in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.
This report is intended to be part of a series of studies on Kenya’s debt. To that extent, AfriCOG will also be looking at agreements with other bi-lateral, multilateral and commercial lenders.
AfriCOG is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides research and monitoring on governance and public ethics issues to address the structural causes of Kenya’s unfolding governance crisis.