GLOBALink | Chinese-built modern railway in Kenya fosters job creation for locals

NAIROBI, Aug. 8, 2022 (Xinhua) --Launched on May 31, 2017, the 480 km Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), financed mainly by China and constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), has fostered job creation for local people.

Afristar, the company operating the SGR, has employed Kenyans in 123 railway professions which fall under 5 railway departments, including railway transportation, locomotive, track, signal, and rolling stock.

As of July 31, there are currently 1,359 employees working at the company, among them 1,049 are Kenyan employees.

Train conductor Joseph Mwangi waits for confirmation of departure information at Mtito Andei Station on the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, Kenya, July 29, 2022. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)

Kenyan drivers John Pius (L) and Brian Kemboi confirm safety with platform staff at Ngong station in Kajiado, Kenya, March 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Passenger attendant Monicah Chepkemboi guides a passenger to take the elevator at Mombasa Terminus Station in Mombasa, Kenya, July 27, 2022. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)

Signal workers Daniel Kibe (L) and Patrick Mburu check signal equipment at Mombas Terminus Station in Mombasa, Kenya, July 27, 2022. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui)

Produced by Xinhua Global Service