Kenya has signaled its ambition to join the BRICS economic alliance during high-level bilateral discussions with Chinese officials in Nairobi. The diplomatic engagement, marked by the arrival of senior Chinese representative Li Xi, underscores Kenya’s commitment to expanding its international economic partnerships and strengthening its position in global affairs.
The talks centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation and development initiatives between the two nations. Kenya’s leadership reaffirmed its support for the One China policy while seeking Chinese backing for its BRICS membership bid. The alliance, which now represents approximately 28 percent of the global economy, has recently expanded to include new members beyond its original configuration.
BRICS, established in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China as founding members, has evolved significantly. South Africa’s inclusion in 2010 marked the beginning of African representation, followed by recent additions including Egypt and Ethiopia at the start of this year. This expansion reflects the growing influence of emerging economies in shaping global economic policy and development.
The strategic partnership between Kenya and China encompasses various development projects, reflecting both nations’ commitment to economic cooperation. These initiatives span infrastructure development, technology transfer, and trade enhancement programs. Kenya’s pursuit of BRICS membership aligns with its broader strategy to diversify international partnerships and strengthen its economic foundations through multilateral engagement. The move also signifies Africa’s increasing role in shaping global economic governance and development priorities.