Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has directed Chinese contractors in charge of building the Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail Line to hire Kenyans.
Speaking in Ngong in Kajiado County, Gachagua said the Kenyans can build the rail line with instructions from a Chinese Chief engineer.
“The contractor and project manager should identify local youth and give them jobs. Are they understanding me, or I should tell them?” said Gachagua.
Besides, the DP mentioned that he was shocked with the high number of Chinese he met at the project site.
According to Gachagua, there should be only three Chinese in the whole project and the rest left for locals.
“I have seen the President William Ruto greeting these Chinese and I noticed they are so many. They should only be three Chinese, the owner of the construction company, the Chief engineer and the Chief Accountant,” stated Gachagua.
Further, he emphasized that the locals could handle the other jobs availed by the project and should be given a chance.
“Kenyans can build a railway line, the only thing we want from the Chinese is money and one intelligent engineer,” explained Gachagua.
Also, he directed the contractor to pay the locals every weekend so that they use the money to meet their needs.
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Ruto Agrees with Gachagua
President Ruto agreed with his deputy stating that the project should create job opportunities for locals.
“I agree, this project should give jobs to the Kenyan youth and Ngong residents,” said Ruto.
He also mentioned that the rail line will reduce the fares to Nairobi CBD and Karen by 50%.
Additionally, Ruto said the project will be finished within 8 months.
“They asked for 12 months but they are not here as tourists, they are here to build this rail line. Let them finish the work and go so that we can move forward,” stated Ruto.
Furthermore, he said the government will build stations in Karen, Bulbul and Riruta so that people can travel by train.
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US-Kenya Transport Deal
Also, the president said the government of the United States of America (US) will fund infrastructural transformation in Nairobi City.
“They have already given us Ksh.9 billion to plan for that work, part of the money will be used to push this rail line to Kiserian, Ngong, Bomas of Kenya and to Nyayo Stadium. This will ease transportation from Kajiado to the named areas,” he said.
Besides, Ruto said the rail line will serve ten thousand people daily thus reducing traffic jams and the cost of transportation.
