Kenyan president hails Chinese-built expressway as key infrastructure project

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (3rd L) inspects the 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway which is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation in Nairobi, Kenya, Dec. 23, 2021. (Photo by Charles Onyango/Xinhua)

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday hailed the Chinese-built Nairobi Expressway as a key infrastructure project. He affirmed the country's commitment to continue working with the Chinese government as it continues to be a key development partner.

NAIROBI, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday hailed the Chinese-built Nairobi Expressway as a key infrastructure project.

Kenyatta said that the highway is bound to reduce the traffic gridlock that people have experienced and that has added to the cost of doing business in the country.

"That is why infrastructure is key if ultimately we want to become an industrialized nation," Kenyatta said during an inspection tour of the 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway which is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under a public-private partnership.

Kenyatta added that the Nairobi Expressway will play a significant role in improving competitiveness and easing the cost of living in the East African nation.

He commended the Chinese contractor for a job well done and expressed confidence that the road will be ready for use by March next year.

"I want to thank the contractor because we started this project exactly almost to date one year ago when we laid the first box girder and today, almost to the date, three days earlier to one year, we are now laying the last," he added.

Photo taken on Dec. 7, 2021 shows a section of the 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway which is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation in Nairobi, Kenya. (Xinhua)

Kenyatta noted that the expressway had created over 6,000 direct jobs, benefitted 200 sub-contractors and hundreds of other local suppliers of building materials such as steel, sand, cement and ballast.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the Chinese government," Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader refuted claims that Kenya's relationship with China is not beneficial.

"A lot of people have told us that our relationship with China is not beneficial. For those who say that, I request them to come, let them see a project like this," Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta affirmed the country's commitment to continue working with the Chinese government as it continues to be a key development partner.

He observed that China has undertaken many projects and programs that have improved the lives of Kenyans.

"Our partnership with China is one that is mutually beneficial, that is based on win-win, and we are very grateful to the Chinese government and people for the support that they continue to render not only our country but to the rest of Africa," Kenyatta said.