Kenya based Chinese firms invest over $75 million in social responsibility

Chinese companies operating in Kenya invested over $75 million in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and created more than 50,000 jobs in 2018.

The 2018-2019 Chinese enterprises in Kenya social responsibility report, released on Tuesday, said that the $75 million was utilized in building community roads and water infrastructure, supporting education, and improving living conditions of local residents.

The report was released by the Kenya China Economic and Trade Association, a non-governmental organization composed of Chinese enterprises operating in Kenya, whose current membership stands at 106.

Wu Peng, the Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said the social responsibilities have contributed to the deepening of people-to-people bonds between China and Kenya, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.

'The development of our bilateral ties and the success of the Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, depends fundamentally on whether we can enhance mutual understanding between the people, and establish a network for cultural integration and social exchange," he said.

Wu said that Kenya has become an important participant of the BRI and the gateway for Chinese enterprises to "go into Africa".