Full Breakdown
Kenyan Survey Highlights Preference for China Over the United States and EU
8/13/2026, 2:45:46 AM
Background and Context
Afrobarometer, a non-profit research group based in Accra, Ghana, released its 2026 African Insights report, the third in its annual flagship series. The report draws on nationally representative surveys conducted across 38 African nations during 2024-2025. It examines citizen attitudes toward major external powers, trade, and migration, reflecting a broader shift toward multipolar engagement on the continent.
Data & Statistics
- In Kenya, 64 % of respondents rated China’s economic and political influence positively, the highest among the powers surveyed.
- The United States received a 60 % positive rating, while India was at 48 % and the European Union at 47 %.
- Britain ranked fourth and Russia the lowest, despite increased diplomatic and commercial outreach.
- Among Kenyans aware of the Russia-Ukraine war, 72 % preferred their country remain neutral, underscoring strong support for non-alignment.
Official Statements & Responses
Afrobarometer’s analysis emphasizes that African publics do not view relationships with global powers as mutually exclusive. The organization notes a “positive, not negative, correlation” between favorable views of China and the United States, suggesting that many citizens see engagement with multiple partners as a strategic advantage rather than a zero-sum contest. The report also observes that former colonial powers have experienced the steepest long-term decline in popularity, while Russia’s growing footprint has not translated into comparable goodwill.
Verbatim Quotes
- “China leads the field in African public opinion. Across 38 countries, 62 percent rate China’s economic and political influence as positive, a figure that has held steady since 2019/2021,” — Afrobarometer
- “The clearest finding may be that Africans do not see these relationships as a zero-sum contest. Attitudes towards the major powers are positively, not negatively, correlated. For example, citizens who view China favourably are also more likely to view the United States favourably,” — Afrobarometer
- “Russia is struggling to make gains despite its growing continental footprint. Awareness of Russia has increased, but newly formed opinions are more negative than positive,” — Afrobarometer
These statements encapsulate Afrobarometer’s key findings on the evolving perception of external powers across Africa, particularly the sustained favorability toward China in Kenya.
