A survey released by polling firm IPSOS contends that China's influence in Kenya has surpassed the United States for the first time as the east African country's most recognized partner, reports China Daily.
Kenyans sing and dance beside one of the first batch of locomotives that were made by Chinese companies for the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, in Mombasa, Kenya, on Jan. 11, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]
IPSOS has compiled the survey among 2003 respondents in Kenya through March. It's found that 34% feel the relationship between Kenya and China is the most important bilateral relationship. The United States ranks second at 26%, followed by South Africa at 5% and the UK at 4%.
IPSOS suggests this is due largely to China's contribution to the economic construction and social development of Kenya.
A statement by the Chinese embassy in Nairobi says the survey shows China attaches great importance to the development of China's relationship with Kenya. It notes that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is being steadily promoted in Africa, creating a large number of cooperative projects which are promoting the economic and social development of Kenya, creating numerous jobs.
