Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta officially launched the second phase of its massive Chinese Railway Project on Wednesday, 16th Oct 2019. The Chinese Government funded this project and built by the Chinese Road and Bridges corporation, it is built in such a way that it would link the capital city of Nairobi to Naivasha, in Nakuru county, and it’s neighboring Eastern Africa countries. It is a project that costs billions of dollars, which critics said the cost is putting Kenya into debt. During the launch of this railway project, the president joined the first ride and listened to the on-board announcements. This project would go a long way to impact lives and Kenya’s Economy in the long run.
- During the inauguration of the Chinese built railway, also known as SGR phase 2A, by Kenyatta, he said, “The completion of the Nairobi to Naivasha, in Nakuru county, is a bold step towards the development of the region through an affordable means of transportation. Tourism would also be stimulated, which would add value to the nation’s economy.” This ceremony has left the people with joy as to what they have to benefit as the fruit of the project such as;
Improved Life
Improving the movement of passengers and goods within the country is the ambition of the Kenya Government. It is also the government’s wish, which has become a reality for the people of Kenya. With this infrastructure, the lives of those living within the local community nearest to the train stations have also been changed. This is because there would be job and business opportunities that would transform the lives of youths, thereby reducing the number of idle youths in the locality. Some of these youths who gain employment from this project would be able to fend for themselves and pursue their dreams with whatever they earn from the corporation like acquiring an educational degree.
Job Opportunity
The new track on the railway is 120 kilometers (75 miles) long and has 12 stations facilitating Passengers ride on trains, while the railway is mainly for cargo. The tracks lead to an inland container depot, where containers will be distributed to other countries. There is no doubt that the Chinese Railway project has created numerous job opportunities for people to fit into, which allowed them to generate funds, acquire skills and networking, which would be useful to individuals hoping to build a future career. It was reported that during the construction of the extended railway, the China Communications Construction Company ( CCCC) employed more than 26,000 Kenyas, accounting for 90 percent of its workforce along the line. Additionally, during the construction, the company cooperated with more than 400 local material suppliers and companies, creating more than 20,000 jobs directly. www.xinhuanet.com
The projection has empowered youths and granted employments to graduates who are qualified to handle essential roles on the project. There is no doubt that this Chinese Railway would boost the lives and serve as an Economy Engine in Kenya. China’s expertise accomplishment in the field of infrastructure is something the world can benefit from. And with such Infrastructures, Africas entrepreneur would be able to develop faster.
