Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale wants State to reveal details of deals with China Government

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale now wants the Government to disclose the details of the multi-billion shilling deals that President Uhuru Kenyatta signed with the China Government.

Mr Khalwale yesterday demanded a statement from the chairman of the committee on Finance, Commerce and Budget, Billow Kerrow, giving a specific breakdown of “the alleged goodies” brought by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and the finer details of the agreements signed.  

Khalwale wants Kerrow to table details on how many of the projects involved infrastructure development and explain how much was given as interest-free loans and grants by China.

The Government disclosed that up to 17 bilateral agreements touching on various sectors of the economy were signed between Kenya and China when Mr Keqiang toured the country in May.

The two government heads did not disclose the actual financial value or details of most of the agreements and protocols signed but their communiqué said the deals run into billions, with implementation expected within five years.

The agreements included economic and technical co-operation, approving grants of undisclosed values, aviation and agricultural co-operation.

During Keqiang’s State visit, President Kenyatta called for the setting up of a bilateral advisory council to provide an ideal platform through which constant and fruitful engagement can be held, even as the two countries sought to diversify relations to include manufacturing.

Full disclosure

The visit also saw the signing of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) agreement which, when completed, is expected to link Mombasa to the Burundi capital Bujumbura, through Kampala and Kigali. It will extend to the South Sudan capital of Juba.

But Khalwale said that few details were provided, hence the need for disclosure to Kenyans on the specifics of the deals.

Kerrow said he would give a response within three months.