Defence Committee vets Consul-General nominees for China and Tanzania posts

Defence Committee vets Consul-General nominees for China and Tanzania posts

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 
𝐌𝐨𝐧, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has vetted two nominees, Mr. James Muhati and Mr. Abdi Dubat Fidhow for their suitability to serve as Consuls-General in Guangzhou, China, and Arusha, Tanzania, respectively.

Mr. Muhati, currently the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Economic Planning, appeared before the Committee where Members sought to evaluate his vision for strengthening Kenya-China relations amid growing trade and geopolitical tensions.

Addressing the Committee, Mr. Muhati outlined his strategy to reduce the current trade imbalance between Kenya and China, which heavily favours Chinese exports. "My priority would be to formulate a strategic plan to close that trade gap by focusing on market access, removal of trade barriers, and enhancing value addition for Kenyan products destined for China," he said.

On China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Mr. Muhati acknowledged its role in improving infrastructure and connectivity but cautioned that Kenya must engage strategically. "While the BRI has opened up trade routes, it’s important that our engagement aligns with our national development priorities to avoid unsustainable debt traps," he said.

Hon. Fred Ikana questioned the nominee about the country’s growing debt portfolio, particularly loans from China. "We import more than we export, and part of our debt burden is owed to China. How will you help address this imbalance and ensure better terms for Kenya?" he asked.

Mr. Muhati responded, "Kenya must renegotiate from a position of strength and strategic autonomy. My role would be to facilitate economic diplomacy that favours Kenyan interests, especially by promoting exports such as avocadoes, macadamia nuts, and tea."

Hon. Memusi Kanchory expressed concern over the low returns Kenyan farmers receive for exports like avocadoes. "These fruits are processed in China and brought back as oils and cosmetics. What’s your plan to reverse this trend?" he posed.

“Value addition is key,” Mr. Muhati said. “We must push for diversification and better packaging of our products to access high-value Chinese markets.”

On broader geopolitics, Hon. Abdikadir Mohammed sought the nominee’s view on navigating tensions between the US and China. Mr. Muhati affirmed, "Kenya should pursue a non-aligned, pragmatic approach, ensuring we maintain productive relations with both powers without compromising our sovereignty."

In a session chaired by Committee Vice Chair, Hon. Bashir Abdullahi. Members also vetted Mr. Abdi Dubat Fidhow, who served as Principal Secretary for East African Community (EAC) Affairs. 

The nominee highlighted his working relationship with Tanzanian officials and institutions hosted in Arusha, including the EAC Secretariat and EALA.

"I have worked at the heart of EAC integration efforts. Our engagements with Tanzanian counterparts have been rooted in mutual respect and cooperation, and I aim to deepen this further," Mr. Fidhow stated.

Hon. Joshua Kandie questioned him on the socio-political and economic climate in Tanzania, to which Mr. Fidhow responded: "Through constant engagement, we can address emerging issues and build consensus on trade, mobility, and infrastructure across borders."

On livestock movement across borders, Hon. Memusi Kanchory asked about the cross-border movement of animals considering Kenya is planning to vaccinate livestock. Mr. Fidhow assured the Committee, "there are bilateral agreements on transhumance routes, and I will work closely with Tanzanian authorities to harmonize animal health protocols."

The Committee also emphasized Kenya’s leadership role in regional institutions. "The Arusha posting is not just diplomatic—it’s strategic," said Hon. Martha Wangari. "What will you do to leverage Kenya’s chairmanship of the EAC?"

Mr. Fidhow responded, "Kenya’s leadership must be felt through robust participation and advocacy. I will ensure our interests are reflected in all policy and legal instruments emerging from the EAC."

The Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations is expected to table its report with recommendations on the approval or rejection of the nominees in the National Assembly for debate and adoption.