Firms should know African politics

China's developmental engagement in Africa, especially in infrastructure, often generates polarizing views that sometimes result in big controversies.

Regardless of claimed approval of the host government, or the fact that Chinese input and devotion went far beyond project requirements, Chinese actors always face criticism when it's perceived that the local community is at stake.

As the recent controversy and protest around the Standard Gauge Railway spirals, there are certain key points to watch out for - a sort of checklist for future infrastructure projects.

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Mombasa and Nairobi - mainly financed by a Chinese loan - has been recognized by the Kenyan government for its environmental protection effort. The Chinese contractor provided creative solutions to building the railway across Tsavo National Park, while facilitating all animal activity in the area, meeting strict requirements set by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Meanwhile, the project has become a key political issue in Kenya, symbolizing the dilemma between economic development and conservation. The Chinese contractor, China Road and Bridge Corp (CRBC) has taken heat from protesters in surrounding communities and from NGOs.

From the perspective of CRBC, the protests were unexpected and somewhat absurd:

In the first place, CRBC finished the project and met Kenya's environment-related requirements as outlined by the wildlife service.

Second, as the contractor, CRBC had no power over the railway blueprint. In fact, the profit-driven CRBC would naturally have preferred to take the railway around, rather than through, the national park to maximize profit and avoid environmental and conservation-related regulations.

Last but not least, CRBC's special state-owned enterprise status delivered financial benefits to Kenyan taxpayers. Rather than using tax revenue to instantly fund the railway project, collaborating with such an enterprise makes the project eligible for a Chinese concessional loan at a competitive interest rate.

To truly understand the reason behind the protests, it is critical to study the complexity of local culture and politics in Kenya, and the difference between African leadership in the office and the Kenyan people. Ethnic and tribal affiliations play a big part in Kenyan politics. The people tend to vote based on traditional factors like ethnicity, tribes and even financal disbursement.

The railway goes through Mombasa Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties, all of which are strongholds of the political opposition National Super Alliance (NASA). As local influencers like former vice-president KalonzoMusyoka and Mombasa governor Hasson John are all members of the group, President Uhuru Kenyatta wants to use the SGR to gain support in the opposition's political turf.

In turn, NASA leaders are believed to have mobilized their local influence, originating from Kenyan political doctrine - ethnicity and tribes - to undermine the success of the president's efforts. As a consequence, the railway got caught in a political rivalry.

On the other hand, general contracting and opposite interpretations of the concept of modernization can result in some unexpected reactions to infrastructure projects. Many African countries stick to the hub of culture, wildlife and natural scenery that are uniquely different from any other continent. Building on traditional wisdom and pride, local communities are confused about the concept of modernization, especially when modern development occurs at the expense of their surrounding environment.

Facing this dilemma, relatively conservative indigenous people can be suspicious of creative solutions, especially in terms of whether an idea can really maintain the delicate balance between modern development and environmental conservation.

Some extremists even resist modernization completely, allowing no room for discussion. In this cultural context, uncertainty about modernization is exacerbated by rivalry between political factions. Local communities can be used as a weapon to prevent any potentially successful achievement by the political opponents.

As a result, any actors involved in social activities related to modern development in their living area will become a target - like a Chinese contractor - if no extra efforts are made to ease local tension.

The legality of the project and approval by state administrators does not guarantee local support. After all, state agencies often use modernization criteria as part of their accountability and effectiveness scoring system.

As common victims of protests, Chinese contractors must go beyond satisfying the mere minimum criteria set by state agencies - or, in other words, political elites in office.

Understanding the true repercussions of a project is vital to establishing the brand image of the companies, and for China as a country.

Chinese development agencies need to urgently make sense of subtle ethnic-community-based political rivalries and diverse interpretations of modernization.

On one hand, a state-level commitment guarantees deepening Sino-African cooperation between government agencies, and ought to be firmly insisted on.

On the other hand, more attention should be spared to appeasing grassroots communities through creative engagement. Specifying and explaining the reasons and actions that will occur in local communities through less official channels will ease unnecessary tension.

Apart from direct financial support, Chinese development agencies and contractors can provide opportunities for more Chinese young people to understand Africa in depth. NGO activities should not become synonymous with anti-Chinese engagement in Africa, but they can equally promote the true rationale behind many of China's infrastructure projects, as well as the political subtlety behind seemingly grassroots protests.

Finally, gossip about Chinese projects in Africa is by no means a signal for less Sino-African cooperation. After all, criticisms are always much easier to deliver than concrete achievements. Even with ongoing quibbles and scrutiny, Sino-African cooperation will accomplish more in the future.

The author is a master's candidate at SciencesPo, Paris.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.