China rejects allegations of discrimination at Kenya's SGR

The Chinese envoy to Kenya on Friday rejected allegations that the operators of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) discriminated against local employees.

Sun Baohong, the Chinese ambassador to Kenya, told journalists in Nairobi that the only challenge that exists is a cultural and communication barrier between Chinese and local employees.

She said China is committed to helping Kenya successfully operate the SGR by improving the capacity of locals.

The Chinese envoy called for objective reporting by the media to ensure that facts are known by the public.

The operators of the SGR have sent Kenyan engineers and police officers to China to learn the latest in railway management.

Sun said that the SGR will not only help transform the economy of Kenya but that of the east African region as a whole.

"It will also help to improve logistics and provide convenience for travelers through the region," she added.

Sun said China will continue with its financing cooperation with Africa in order to help bridge the continent's infrastructure funding gaps.

She denied that Chinese loans will result in a debt trap for Africa as the funds have been used for vital infrastructure such as roads, railways and hospitals.

Before China became a major financier in Africa, she said, the continent had already had a huge public debt.

Sun also urged Kenya to improve its business climate to attract more foreign direct investments.

She said Chinese firms are eager to invest in Kenya to help the country pursue its "Big Four" agenda of affordable housing, food security, manufacturing, and universal healthcare.