Chinese Soft Power: The Case of Kenya

Abstract

China’s political and economic influence in the international arena increases and the country’s leaders concentrate on creating a favorable image in foreign countries, particularly in Africa. Through the application of Joseph Nye’s theory of soft power to the case-study of Kenya, this paper aims to determine the level of Chinese presence in the African country within the areas of culture, media and aid, as well as how such influence is perceived by the local community. By way of a detailed analysis of Chinese engagements in the aforementioned dimensions and of the overall impression of Kenyans, it has been possible to conclude that China’s involvement in Kenya is notable. Kenyan’s perceptions aremainly regarded as optimistic, meaning that Chinese soft power strategies might be effective in the country. However, concerns about economic dependency and Chinese political values are issues that produce distrust in the Republic of Kenya, so that they may require particular attention by Chinese leaders, as well as Kenyans one.