SGR an invaluable learning chance, say local workers

Transport Principal Secretary Paul Mwangi gets into a SGR locomotive engine at the Port of Mombasa soon after it was off loaded. (Photo: Gideon Maundu/Standard)

Before joining the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) construction three years ago, 46-year-old Robert Karisa was a mason. Last week he was supervising last-minute engineering works for a drainage section at section 9 near Voi ahead of the launch of the project in two weeks.

Hired to lay bricks when the project started in 2013, the mason from Malindi who only had a grade two certificate from a local polytechnic learnt and worked his way up as works progressed. He now issues instructions to the 40 people working under him.