[lgleason]

I'm not sure about what the situation in Kenya is, but what I can speak to is what I've seen in Botswana and Costa Rica. In essence the Chinese will come in to invest in something or give a gift of something like a road, mine, stadium etc.. On the surface that sounds great for the local economy.

The problem is that there is a catch, it's not. Why? Because they bring their own materials, food and labor with them in essence adding nothing to the local economy. So, rightfully some have begun to question their presence because in many instances it is about extracting resources while giving little, if anything back to the local economy.

I'm sure the workers are unfortunate pawns in this game, but while there is racism where-ever there are people, to me it sounds like this issue goes much deeper than that.

[openfuture]

Sounds like the economic hitman (a book by some US dude who went around the world lending money to countries in order to do the same sort of thing you're describing)

[netheril96]

> something like a road, mine, stadium etc..

> while giving little, if anything back to the local economy

Aren't these two lines contradictory?

[lgleason]

On the surface yes, in reality no. The only reason the road is built is to get the goods out of the mines. They extract the resources, leave and then there is no money to fund maintenance. Once again with no local jobs being created.