The first phase of the SGR was a 472-kilometre line from Mombasa to Nairobi after which the Naivasha line of 106 kilometres was built.
The project is hailed as part of the testament of Kenya-China relations.
Ministry of Roads and Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar speaking during the launch of the 2022-2023 Chinese Enterprises in Kenya social responsibility report at the Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi on December 17, 2024/LEAH MUKANGAI
President William Ruto’s administration is committed to the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to the country’s border with Uganda.
Roads and Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar said Tuesday that the government was keen on delivering the dream of connecting the SGR to Malaba.“We are determined to ensure that the SGR is extended from Naivasha to Kisumu, a distance of 262 kilometres, with a branch line to Kisumu port of 8.9 kilometres and onwards to Malaba,” the PS said.Speaking during the launch of a report detailing Chinese enterprise's social responsibility milestones in Kenya, the PS said they anticipate that Kenya’s neighbours would also deliver on their part.“We have reached agreements for our neighbours to pick it up from Malaba, through to Rwanda and eventually to the Democratic Republic of Congo. With that, we will connect the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean,” Daghar said.The first phase of the SGR was a 472-kilometre line from Mombasa to Nairobi after which the Naivasha line of 106 kilometres was built. The project is hailed as part of the testament of Kenya-China relations.PS Daghar reiterated Kenya’s commitment to ties with China – now at 61 years, saying the transport department is among agencies that have close cooperation with China.While restating Kenya’s stand on the one-China principle, the PS cited Chinese input in the construction of Lamu Port, and Kipevu Oil Terminal as among the other key projects.
“As a region, we will work jointly in all projects,” PS Daghar said at the event organized by the Kenya China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA).
Kenya-China Alumni Association chairperson Henry Rotich, Mcedo Beijing school student Latiffaj Omondi, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya minister counsellor Zhou Zhencheng, Ministry of Roads and Transport PS Mohamed Daghar, Asia and the Pacific Directorate at the State Department of Foreign Affairs deputy director general Jane Makori, Mcedo Beijing school student Mary Adhiambo and CRBCI deputy general manager and KCETA chairman Liu Chenghui during the launch of 2022-2023 Chinese enterprises in Kenya Social Responsibility report at Argyle Gran Hotel, Nairobi on December 17, 2024/LEAH MUKANGAI
KCETA revealed that Chinese enterprises in Kenya had as of the end of 2023 employed over 60,000 Kenyan workers, achieving a localization rate
of over 90 per cent.
“According to the statistics, Chinese business enterprises
in Kenya have created over 60,000 jobs in Kenya,” Chinese Embassy in Kenya
Minister Counselor Zhou Zhencheng revealed.
The report also indicated that flagship projects such as the
Mombasa-Nairobi Railway and the Africa Tech Challenge have been employed
while equipping Kenyan youth with vocational training to support long-term
career growth.
The report comes at a defining moment marking 61 years of
China-Kenya diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road
Initiative.
The report underscored KCETA’s alignment with Kenya’s Bottom
Up Economic Transformation Agenda and Vision 2030.
“Chinese enterprises in Kenya have prioritized creating job
opportunities, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and
fostering cultural exchanges to strengthen bilateral relations,” a statement by
KCETA reads.
The report also indicated significant infrastructure
projects led by KCETA members including the completion of over 592km of railway
line under the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi
Expressway.
The report also indicated an increase in energy solutions under
the Garissa Solar Power Plant (50 MW), the Kipeto Wind Power Station (102 MW),
the Loiyangalani–Suswa High Voltage Power Line (400 kV), the Thwake
Multipurpose Water Development Program, the Karimenu II Dam Municipal Water
Supply Project and the Park Road Affordable Housing Project which saw the
construction of 1,370 housing units.
According to KCTEA, these initiatives have advanced Kenya's
economic integration, energy solutions, and housing accessibility.
The report also highlighted sustainability efforts, such as
tree-planting initiatives and green construction practices by STECOL
Corporation and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. Over 500
fruit trees have been planted to promote environmental awareness in local
communities.
PUBLIC WELFARE
KCETA reiterated its support for local education and
disaster relief.
Notably, the Mcedo Beijing School in Mathare received over
Sh1.5 billion between 2022 and 2023, enhancing learning conditions.
Additionally, Sh10 million was donated to the Kenya National
Drought Management Authority to combat drought.
Zhou Zhencheng further emphasized KCETA’s commitment to
building a stronger Kenya-China community with shared goals for progress and
prosperity.
“KCETA will further boost its sense of mission and
responsibility, fully embody the spirit of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on
China-Africa Cooperation, and promote the implementation of the ten partnership
initiatives for joining hands to advance modernization, striving to build a
closer China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era,” Zhencheng
stated.
