A word of caution about a flurry of headlines circulating in the Kenyan and Nigerian press this week claiming that China has committed to spending billions of dollars on new railway projects in both countries.
 
Something just doesn’t sound right about these stories.
 
It’s interesting to note that the headlines in both places were almost identical, where each used the word “commit” and cited the respective transport ministers in their reports:

• “China commits to funding Ibadan-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano rail lines -Transportation Minister” — Nairametrics
• “China commits to fund Kenya, Uganda joint railway project” — Business Daily

I’m not suggesting there’s any kind of conspiracy going on here; rather, it may be more about domestic politics in these countries and potentially a misreading of Chinese intentions.