China's interest in Kenya is nothing new, as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation established in 2000 to strengthen the relationship between China and Africa shows.

Chinese companies and brands have for years made a name for themselves through household appliances that are very popular in this part of Africa.

In rich and poor households alike, "Made in China" was an engraving that always stood out in household appliances, favored for their fair prices and user friendliness. If it was not made in Japan, then it was definitely made in China.

Many Kenyans have already got a taste of China, without having ever set foot in the country, through Chinese teacups, plates and the popular Chinese cuisine.

But the "Made in China" brand is no longer confined to the domestic sphere, but has now extended to Kenya's booming construction industry with major Chinese companies winning multimillion tenders to construct state-of-the-art buildings, roads and highways.

As more Chinese companies set camp in this East African nation, so has the Chinese population which is now estimated at 10,000 and growing by the day.

Now more than ever, Kenya can look to the East for tips on branding. Although the country is endowed with many positive attributes, it is yet to build a global brand.

Particularly now that the country is facing its greatest challenges yet, ranging from threats posed by radicalism and the resulting terror attacks, insecurity and a series of high-profile corruption scandals, dealing the country's international brand a major blow.

When in October Kenya moved from a low-income country to a middle-income one years before the time estimated in Vision 2030, the country's economic blueprint, the news was quickly overshadowed.

Even the recent announcement by the World Bank that Kenya is currently the eighth largest global geothermal producer didn't receive much attention. This is in spite of the significance of the moment since energy is key in bringing down the cost of production.

Granted, China has faced its fair share of challenges on branding and on keeping its image positive so far, but it has still managed to rise above these hurdles to become a global force to reckon with.

Wherever this nation goes, the world pays attention because it is not just its government that carries the face of the Chinese people.

But ordinary Chinese immigrants across the world who present themselves as the face of China, further fortifying the country's journey to global respect and recognition. Chinese people are well known and respected in Kenya for their expertise in technology, construction and even cuisine.

Kenya is the home of champions, and is also making a mark in Hollywood with Lupita Nyong'o, a young Kenyan woman, winning an Oscar for her supporting role in the much acclaimed film 12 Years a Slave.

Kenya has produced a first in innovative mobile banking with M-Pesa conquering Africa and now Europe. Kenya Airways remains the pride of Africa and the nation's wildlife is exotic and rare.

But unlike China, this nation is still struggling to harness a myriad of positive attributes to build a brand of international renown.

There are many nations with stronger global brands based on fewer positive attributes. Nonetheless, the nation is on a learning curve and as it continues looking East, there is still a chance to redeem the nation's image and to cut a niche in areas that it is well known for even as Kenya struggles to overcome the challenges facing this East African powerhouse.

The author is a Kenya-based writer and sub-editor. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn