Thika road: Persevere today for a smoother tomorrow.

In this modern world, where almost everything is swift and instant, we can easily forget the virtues of patience and that sometimes, we need to wait a little bit longer to achieve the best results. In reference to an article published in the dailies recently, some users of the almost complete Thika road superhighway are already hard done by it and are blaming the Chinese contractors for the trouble. According to the article, the construction work and the road itself is a huge inconvenience to its users in terms of safety and navigation. Well: You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.

Modern highway and infrastructure projects take a lot of planning, time, resources and man-power, and these dynamics change periodically. The Nairobi Thika superhighway is no exception. This project; with the largest amount of investment ever since Kenya’s independence (estimated at ksh. 27 billion), is two-way six to eight-lane attached with side pavements, bicycle lanes, green belt, drainage system, lighting system, road signs and markings, traffic signals, flyovers and underpasses.

The three firms that have the contract for the highway project are all Chinese, and are the China Wu Yi Company, Shengli Engineering Construction and Synohydro Corporation Ltd. There have been delays and challenges owing to the high density of the population, high traffic, underground pipes and networks. Despite those challenges, the Chinese companies have worked with high efficiency and speed. Construction is almost done with most of the road open to users and it is now in the follow-up period of perfection and maintenance. It is now upon the road users to take responsibility of their safety by driving carefully even as the road nears completion and more safety measures are put in place.

Despite harsh judgment leveled against them, the contractors have erected temporary signs on the road to reduce accidents, but until the road is complete, drivers should exercise caution and drive safely especially at night when visibility is poor. China Wu-Yi has made steps of marking some parts of the highway and placed huge arrow markings at the entrance and exits of interchanges. They have also placed red, yellow and white stickers along the walls to help drivers at night. It is also important to note that the Chinese contractors are only hired to do the construction and they have no say when it comes to the design and other aspects of the road.

On full completion, which is expected to be by August 2012, the 50.4 km road will have clearly marked lanes, clear road signs, adequate lighting, designated pedestrian crossing and fly-overs among other safety measures put in place. The diversions and boulders, the noise and the dust etc, which are part and parcel of any construction work, will be gone.  

The appraisal report by the African development bank and the government projected fewer accidents as the outcome of the Improvement of Thika superhighway. The numbers have significantly reduced and with more care and strict adherence to road rules by individuals, they can be reduced further. It is shocking to see pedestrians making a dash across the four-lane and the other four in attempts to cross the road at undesignated places. They have ignored the warning signs put along the road and continue to endanger their lives. The fly-over at former globe round-about is not meant for pedestrians and despite the clear warning sign that pedestrians should not use it; they have been sharing the little space with vehicles ignoring their own safety. Drivers have been recklessly hitting the concrete boulders meant to divert traffic from dangerous spots and to protect construction workers and areas still under construction and blaming the contractors for putting them there. We should therefore have a little patience on the road as construction comes to a near end and improve our traffic culture to avoid the negative impacts of the ongoing road construction.

Nevertheless, there is more to look up to than mourn about when it comes to the Thika superhighway. The inconveniences we experience today cannot overweigh the benefits that this highway is set to present in the near future and the signs are already there for all to see. The highway has a strategic importance at the local, regional and international level. It is part of the international trunk road connecting Nairobi City with Ethiopia to the north. It will benefit the local farmers and traders, transport operators, Kenyan and Ethiopian importers and exporters as well as boost trade, tourism, agriculture and industrial sectors.

Kenya’s economy looses billions of shillings during traffic jams. The highway, which was necessitated by perennial traffic jams, is poised to open up new business opportunities and investments, giving both Nairobi’s and Thika’s Economies a major boost. Thika could soon be a suburb of Nairobi owing to the time it would take commuters to travel to the city center and back. It would take the an average of 40 minutes or less to travel between Thika and Nairobi; a major boost for traders and industries from both sides as well as workers living and working between the two towns.

Land value along the highway is appreciating fast; Investors and real estate developers are jostling for every available space along the road citing huge benefits once the road is complete. The highway will open up areas along the road making it a prime-land for both commercial and residential investments. New Infrastructure is playing a big role in increasing the value of land due to the speculative activities as the highway takes shape. Land prices along the road have increased by an average of 50% the last two years.

As a result of the superhighway, multi-million, classy residential areas, mini-cities are coming up. Tatu City, Thika greens golf Estate, Migaa golf course, flame tree, Oakfield valley, and Tatu city among others. These revolutionary suburbs are a gold mine for investors as well as housing for many middle –income Kenyans concentrated around the city center. The rise-of these gated community estates has revolutionized housing and lured many middle-income citizens to the prospects of enjoying modern mini-cities where all their needs are close to them.

The rise of these new communities has been coupled with demand for social amenities and even more investors are coming in to cash in on these new developments by offering services. At the Roysambu junction, a sh.450 million shopping mall with several supermarkets, cinema halls, conference centre’s, offices and over 300 parking spaces is already coming up and is ready to cash in. The mall also marks the entry of multinational Scandinavian supermarket chain, IKEA, which specializes in furniture. Local household names have not been left behind as the battle for new inhabitants with purchasing power begins. Uchumi supermarkets also plan to build another mall in an adjacent plot. Nakumatt is also set to build another mall along the road. In the fray, PepsiCo, a soft drinks maker, is putting up a 2.4 billion plant off Thika road. This trend indicates the need to serve a growing middle-income population along the superhighway providing immense opportunities for investors and better services for the people and a better economy for the country in general.

The Nairobi-Thika highway is indeed a blessing to Kenyans and there is no room for cynicism. We should be very grateful and supportive of all those involved in the project who include the African Development bank who’s investment in Lot 1 and 2 is 8.03 billion Ksh and 8.72 billion respectively and the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM), concessional loan to Lot 3 at 9.44 billion Ksh. The project designers include the Consulting Engineering Services from India and the proud Kenyan Engineering Company, Aviation Projects &Engineering Co Ltd. We must not forget the current administration for embarking on this project and attaching great importance to it and the over 4,000 local employees who have been involved in the process of transforming the old Thika road nightmare into a soon to be heavenly ride to greater things.

Is China is committed to Peaceful development?

China’s rapid development has attracted a lot of international attention in recent years and put it at the centre of global discourses. Apart from admiration of its phenomenon achievements in recent years, the implications of some aspects of its rise have aroused much concern and anxiety. From its expanding political influence and military muscle, to its growing demand for energy, raw materials and natural resources, the international community is keen to see whether china will finally break the historical norm of rising powers.

Historically, great powers emerged out of armed conflicts, political and economic exploitation and domination. A study of recent world powers reveals that they fundamentally challenged the international system and order, amassed weapons and military strength quickly and invaded and occupied their neighbors as part of their bids to become global superpowers. The current global superpower, the United States of America initially sought to engage with the world economically and exercised military restraint as well as resisting calls to take on leadership responsibilities until it was forced to do so at the onset of the Second World War. This state of affairs has led many to believe that peaceful rise is unattainable in a world of conflict.

“Peaceful rise” is one of the first new foreign policy concepts to be introduced by President Hu Jintao during his administration. China has declared to the international community that it seeks a path of peaceful development and is committed to the establishment of a harmonious world. It is relentlessly advocating harmony between states and this policy has become a central feature of Chinese foreign Policy.

China as a country has suffered the bitter experience and suffering from war at the hands of former powers. It understands that that kind of rise is not sustainable because the current international environment more interconnected and one country cannot develop at the expense of the rest. Both China’s domestic and international environments and the development trend favor peaceful development and therefore, it remains China’s natural choice proceeding from her own vital interests to the common interests of the international community.

China seems to have diverted from the historical path of turbulent rise in power and is steering a new course that is set to transform how rising powers engage with the rest of the world. It is determined to pursue its national interests without precipitating hostilities with other major powers, its neighbors or with its competitors. While acknowledging that competitions and conflicts will always be there in International relations, China emphasizes that each country should draw on other’s merits to offset its own weakness through fair competition, finding opportunities for cooperation, expanding areas of cooperation, and improving common interests. China uses cooperation as a way to pursue peace, promote development and settle disputes.

China diplomacy has transformed a great deal as it advocates harmony between countries and people across the globe. This transformation has been commensurate with China’s power reemergence and is guided by the cultural richness of Confucianism. Peaceful development is deeply rooted in Chinese culture since harmony is the greatest goal of Confucianism. Confucianism focuses on upholding of righteousness and the moral obligation to do good to others and how to act within a community. It promotes the virtue of humaneness and this is best expressed by the ethic of reciprocity, or the golden rule “Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you."

By upholding these values, China could achieve peaceful development and transcend the historical ways for great powers to rise. It does not wish to overturn the international order as its leaders understand that their success depends on how well they relate and network with the international community. Only when common development of all countries is realized and more people share the fruits of development, can world peace and stability have a solid foundation and be effectively guaranteed.

China has not only made assurances and pledges when it comes to its pursuit of development. It has taken positive steps to promote and safeguard world peace and address the challenges. It is the only nuclear-weapon country that has publicly stated that it will not be the first to use nuclear weapons, or use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. It has called for settling disputes over territory and maritime rights and interests with neighboring countries through dialogue and negotiation, and called for resolving the Korean nuclear issue, the Iranian nuclear issue and other disagreements through peaceful talks.

As China strives to create a peaceful and stable environment for its development, it is also promoting a global environment of peace, stability, equality, mutual trust, cooperation and mutual benefit. Peace and development is currently the global trend in international relations and by conforming to this trend, China is confident that it will achieve its goal off sharing development opportunities through a harmonious world.

Why China is Africa’s Trusted Development Partner.

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao famously said at the Summit in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh that “China is a “true and trusted friend” of the African continent and its people. He also emphasized that China’s support for Africa’s development is ‘real and solid’ and promised that no matter what turbulence the world undergoes, our friendship will not change.

China is consistently emerging as the country of choice to do business with Africa. The country has gradually gained the trust of the African continent and established a development momentum in Africa that will be difficult to stop. Analysts and proponents of the look East policy have attributed this development to China’s Pragmatism and favorable principles in Africa. They have basically sought common ground while reserving differences and maintaining equality and political mutual trust.

The Sino-Africa relation is a win-win one where policies are based on mutual development. China places a premium on non-intervention, reciprocity, mutual benefits and common development at the top of its agenda in Africa. These policies have been received in Africa with open arms and facilitated cooperation. Dr. Jean Ping, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission wrote an Article titled” China gives Africa hope” and he emphasized that China-Africa cooperation is win-win cooperation and both must work together and learn from each other.

China has been offering friendly assistance to Africa without attaching political conditions to such assistance; a key distinction from other international aid to Africa. Majority of that assistance is government –to- government assistance model by non- currency model. They have focused on concrete programmes such as infrastructure, livelihood projects, education, healthcare etc, from which the people can see and feel, and can benefit directly. Its investment in Africa, especially in infrastructure, has seen an impressive list that includes roads, railways, schools, hospitals, telecommunication, clean energy, technology and so on. Compared to assistance, investment is a more constructive way to achieve common development on a much broader scale by bringing in technology, skills, management conceptions and employment opportunities.

China is of course looking out for its own interests but so long as these interests are compatible with African interest and mutually beneficial, then Africa has no reason to shy away.  Former Zambian President Rupiah Banda well put it when he said, "The Chinese have selfish interests, naturally," He said. "We are prepared to do this with anybody else. It is not that this is reserved for China. It is that they are the only ones who seem to see it the way that we see it." He added that “China understands Africa better than most of the world and has proved itself a trusted ally.”

Confucius said we may learn wisdom by imitation, which is the easiest, and by experience, which is the bitterest.  But the third method, reflection, is the noblest. In terms of trade relations and economic and technical cooperation, China and Africa have made great strides with Africa reaping huge benefits particularly when it comes to moving up the manufacturing value chain, increasing productivity, infrastructure development and fostering private enterprise. 

China’s economic reality is more relevant to African states because it has come from the same circumstances that Africa is trying to get away from. Despite its rapid growth and immense achievements, China still belongs in the developing world and faces the same daunting task of lifting its people out of poverty. Africa can draw important lessons from China’s experiences as they continue to learn from each other and seek common development. 

The Forum on China-Africa cooperation was established in October 2000 to promote China-Africa strategic partnership. Every three years, Chinese and African leaders sit and discuss ways and means to realize these ends. This Forum has nurtured mutual trust and understanding, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges thus creating a good development momentum. It has ensured that the development needs of both China and Africa are pursued and met.

Since the Inception of FOCAC, China has earnestly implemented all its cooperation commitments made at the various FOCAC ministerial and Beijing Summit. Smooth progress has been made in debt cancellation, tariff exemption, provision of concessional loans and the scheme of special loans designed to help small and medium sized African enterprises. These achievements, which have been well received by the African states and highly regarded by the International community, are here for everyone to see.

Since the 4^th Ministerial meeting of FOCAC, China has implemented the major pledges of the conference despite the grave challenges posed by the International financial crisis. These include agricultural technology demonstration centers, clean energy development and China Africa friendship schools which are well underway. Personnel training programs for Africans is ongoing and a series of important and exciting activities such as the China-Africa Agriculture Forum, the FOCAC-Legal Forum, the Young Leaders Forum, the Think Tank Forum, the “African Culture in Focus” program, the 20+20 Cooperation plan for Chinese and African Institutions of Higher education and the joint Research and exchange program, have been held one after another, bringing China-Africa cooperation to a new high.

Therefore, In China, Africa has found a political ally, a good cooperation partner economically and a diplomatic companion to work together for mutual development. The policies of equality, political mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and mutual understanding have ensured China remains Africa’s trusted development partner.

China grew by discarding big power mentality

A nation’s power is measured in many ways. In terms of geography, population, economy and resources, China is inherently a great power. Since 1978 when it began opening up and reforming its economy, China has gradually accumulated its national strength, improved its image and taken an active role in international affairs.

The common description of power in the International system is deeply flawed. It means different things and there is no consensus on the defining and differentiating characteristics of a great power. While the traditional military and strategic concept still counts, the perception of what constitutes a great power has changed significantly and is subject to redefinition and assessment. China’s own assessment of power focuses more on economic, scientific and technological prowess, rather than military focus. This is evidenced by the 2011 released white paper on China’s peaceful development.

China’s rapid growth and expanding influence in the International community has generated heated debates as to whether it has achieved ‘great power’ status. Whereas the Chinese are content with ‘emerging power’ status, its unprecedented growth and influence in the International community depict a nation that has taken charge. As it marches towards the centre of the world arena, China has been compelled to take International responsibilities matching its power, status and position. Despite inexperience in fulfilling great power responsibilities, the Asian nation has been swiftly thrust into the role of a great power and has resolutely taken these responsibilities and is portraying the image of a responsible power.

Great power responsibilities include financial, humanitarian, global governance and politics, International security etc. China is positively engaging the International community in addressing these challenges in a more primary role. It has increased its involvement in non-traditional security issues, and sought a more understanding of the world, especially Africa, to achieve a strong sense of responsibility. It is sympathetic to weak and kind to the meek. 

In terms of global governance, China has maintained a responsible attitude and goodwill towards the current world order by advancing concepts that do not disrupt the system. These include ‘peaceful coexistence’, ‘new security concept’, ‘peaceful development’ and ‘harmonious world’. Its development strategy embodies the system responsibility; that is, a development strategy under the framework of the current international rules and regulations rather than seeking an alternative and disruptive strategies that undermine the current system.

In the humanitarian sector, China is guided by its diplomatic tradition that lays emphasis on giving rather than gaining. This principle in the development of diplomatic relations with other states has more often been received with suspicion, but it has eventually helped in strengthening friendships and cooperation and expanding China’s influence. The country continues to attract international praise for its lead role in post-disaster assistance. Its skilled and professional international rescue teams have been dispatched across the globe in Algeria, Iran, Pakistan, Aceh, Yogyakarta, and Haiti among other areas.

In global governance and politics, China has stood with developing countries in international multilateral negotiations. It strives for the interests of developing countries as it understands that it cannot develop alone and therefore, it has pushed for the enhancement of ‘south south’ cooperation to achieve mutual compliments in development and economy.

In the last 34 years of reform and growth, China has showed the world the magnitude of its labor force, purchasing power, creativity, industry and commitment to development.  It has averaged an annual GDP growth of 9.4 percent annually and lifted over 400 million people out of poverty. Many countries are looking up to China for this remarkable achievement and Africa is set to be the biggest beneficiary of these lessons. China is sharing its development lessons with developing countries and making ground-breaking contributions to African development. Through the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese leaders and African leaders discuss development challenges and ways to achieve equality and mutual prosperity.

Apart from offering inspiration to African countries, China has played a significant role in Africa’s growth in the recent past. In line with its commitment made at the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), it has provided African countries with assistance without political conditions through favorable concessional development loans, reduced tariffs and cancelled debts of least developed nations in Africa.

China’s power and its global role continue to elicit mixed sentiments. Assessing its power accurately is critical in understanding China’s achievements and its impacts on the international arena. China is inspired by an ancient Chinese philosophy which regards both material capability and morality as necessities of a durable global leader. China’s soft power is not only focused on making China a rich and strong nation, but to make the outside world friendly and safe for China to do business. Soft power counts more than hard power and China is all about making friends and securing peace and prosperity abroad and in turn a conducive environment for a solid economic base. Whereas China is not comparable to the United States Militarily and economically, it has clearly taken charge and is without doubt, a force to reckon with now in the near future.