China –United States Hegemonic Politics and Capacity Dilemma of East African States: The Case of Kenya

Using secondary sources of data including credible governmental reports, international policy groups data and newspaper analysis, this study explores the outcome of hegemonic competition between the western powers led by the United States of America on the one hand and China on the other hand – on the capacity of Kenya. It particularly focuses on the outcome of interactions of the two powers – US and China on Kenya. The study addresses two questions: i) To what extent has Kenya taken full charge of human development by providing an environment through which their citizens’ access to welfare needs are not undermined, in the wake of increased China-Africa infrastructure development? ii) How have responses by the U.S in war against terrorism and other security threats affected the capacity of Kenya to deal with security challenges in the nation? State capacity is defined as the ability of a respective state to responsibly fulfill security functions and provide an amicable environment through which their nationalities can meet their welfare needs reliably, and in a sustainable manner. High capacity states are able to provide public goods including human security, health care and the social and physical infrastructure that promote human development. Low capacity states are limited in their ability to provide these goods leading to low development levels and even state failure. The article concludes that competition of the foreign powers in the east African nations have undermined the implementation of their national plans. Notwithstanding the aid and developmental infrastructure that china is engaged in within Kenya, there are other enterprises that continue to overshadow the Kenyan based middle level income opportunities and the government needs to conform to reality for the survival of the people within the country, who are abandoned – which means that the government is no-longer properly in charge of key responsibilities of security and human development since entry of China in Africa