The Uganda Airport Controversy is Prompting Renewed Discussion in East Africa About Chinese Debt

University of Nairobi Associate Professor Xn Iraki appeared in an extended interview on KTN to answer questions about Chinese loans to East African countries.

The last two weeks’ uproar over (unfounded) allegations that Uganda will forfeit the Entebbe International Airport is finally winding down. It’s making way for a more nuanced, thoughtful discussion on the implications of Chinese loans to East African countries.

Economist and University of Nairobi professor X.N. Iraki appeared on KTN, one of Kenya’s largest broadcast networks, on Friday to dispel the accusation that China is engaging in predatory lending. But he did criticize both the Kenyan government and Chinese creditors for the lack of transparency in the lending process. 

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by Eric Olander

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