China signs contract to boost Kenya’s road network

NAIROBI, Wednesday

Kenya’s road infrastructure has received a boost with the signing of the contract with the Chinese government for the construction of the southern bypass to start soon.

Speaking during a meeting on Monday with Kenya’s Road minister Franklin Bett, China’s Vice Minister of Transport Gao Hongfeng said his government has offered the East African nation the concessionary loan through China’s Exim Bank for the project. "China will continue to fund the expansion of Kenya’s road network," said Gao who was accompanied by China Ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan.

The visit comes at a time when Chinese companies are undertaking construction on most of Kenya’s highways.

The Southern Bypass which aims to ease traffic for residents traveling in and out of Nairobi County will take 36 months to complete. Chinese construction company, China Road and Bridge Corporation which has been in Kenya for over 26 years, will handle the construction.

The government has already compensated all those who were displaced by the project. Beijing has funded several road constructions in the country.

The roads are part of Kenya’s Vision 2030 which aims to reduce congestion in the city as well as enable farm produce to reach market centers before they perish. The Chinese delegation also pledged to build capacity for the local contractors to build roads in the future.

Ninety per cent of workers involved are locals with the Chinese only occupying the senior managerial levels.

"The ministry of roads is pleased with progress so far by the Chinese constructing our roads," said Bett.

— Xinhua