Chinese nationals working in Kenya government projects to be registered, says CS Michael Kamau

Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau

NAIROBI: Chinese nationals working in mega infrastructural projects in the country will have their personal details captured in the recent Government-initiated biometric system.

Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau confirmed Thursday that the Government has initiated a process to ensure all Chinese residents working in the mega projects are well known within the State registration systems.

He said the initiative follows the Government's resolution to ensure all the foreigner working in various projects are known to avoid entry of persons of unknown character and who might participate in insecurity incidents. This implies that Government does not have personal details of majority of Chinese citizens who are working in the ongoing major infrastructural projects.

During the construction of the 50-kilometre Thika superhighway, the three Chinese contractors awarded tenders imported more than 80 per cent of labour from China.

The Chinese construction firms have also been involved in the railway, roads, water, electricity, telecommunication and housing projects by both the Government and the private sector.

SECURITY INSURGENTS

It is astonishing to find that Government does not have their personal details which increases the country's vulnerability to security insurgents like the Al-Shabaab.

Eng Kamau had during presentation of the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Pepea commuter card at Transcom House said the initiative will be extended to other foreign nationals working in the country.

"Our idea is to ensure we know all the foreign citizens working in the country and specifically in the mega infrastructural projects.

"This should not be construed to mean the Government is targeting citizens of particular countries but conforms to the Government policy of digitising its workforce," said Eng Kamau.