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Uhuru defends Kenya-China economic ties

 

President Uhuru Kenyatta has praised Kenya’s relationship with China saying it is a partnership of mutual benefit.

The head of state was telling off critics who have faulted Kenya for often engaging with the Chinese government for projects.

“Many people have said that our relationship with China is not beneficial. Our partnership with China is one that is mutually beneficial. It is based on win-win and as Kenya, we are very grateful to the Chinese government,” Uhuru said.

He challenged those criticizing Kenya-China ties to visit the projects done by the two nations.

‘For those who say that I request you to come on the ground and see what is happening here in Nairobi, Lamu, Kilindini, “ Uhuru said.

The president commended China for the support it has shown Kenya through the various projects.

Uhuru spoke Thursday when he launched the last box girder along the main alignment of the Nairobi Expressway.

He was accompanied by Transport CS James Macharia and Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director General Lt. Mohammed Badi.

Recognizing the Chinese efforts on the constriction of the Nairobi Expressway, Uhuru expressed his full confidence in the speed the contractors are moving.

“The indicated date of March for completion of this project is going to be met. And I will be very proud to drive all the way from Machakos to Ruroni and to launch the road and the from  Ruroni to Mau Summit,” he noted.

President Uhuru Kenyatta when he launched the last box girder along the main alignment of the Nairobi Expressway on December 23, 2021.
President Uhuru Kenyatta when he launched the last box girder along the main alignment of the Nairobi Expressway on December 23, 2021.
Image: KENHA

GAME-CHANGER

The Nairobi Expressway Project is a 27.1km road project from Mlolongo through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Nairobi’s CBD to Westland’s area along Waiyaki Way.

The Sh65 billion Nairobi Expressway will have a four-lane and six-lane dual carriageway within the existing Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way as well as 10 interchanges.

The China Road and Bridge Corporation is constructing the expressway which is being financed under a public-private partnership model.

The private company funding the construction of the Nairobi Expressway will operate the road for 27 years to recoup funds spent on the project before ceding it to the state.

The Nairobi Expressway is the first in East and Central Africa and the second largest toll road in Africa after the Dakar Toll Highway.

The double-decker road is the equivalent of having half of the Thika Superhighway suspended above Uhuru highway, the city's main traffic artery.

The Expressway will cut travel time from Rironi to JKIA from three hours to just 20 minutes.

The government will start conducting test runs along the Nairobi Expressway next March after which President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to commission it.

Uhuru explained that the expressway will help reduce the gridlock that people have experienced which has added to the cost of doing business in our country.

“ That is why infrastructure is key if alternately we want to become an industrial nation,” he added.

In addition to that, the expressway is said to have created employment for over 6,000  people and the Government has also engaged 200 subcontractors who have ended up employing other locals.

Going further, the President noted that Nairobi was also changing and not only because of the Expressway project.

He explained that the Government from last year has done some 420 km of roads in the city to ease transport for people who live in informal settlements.

This also includes infrastructural furniture of drainage and sewerage systems.

“I do believe with another two years Nairobi will be a truly 21st-century city catering for its population,” Uhuru added.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi Metropolitan Service Director General Mohammed Badi on October 6, 2020 in Industrial Area
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi Metropolitan Service Director General Mohammed Badi on October 6, 2020 in Industrial Area
Image: MAUREEN KINYANJUI

Drumming up support for the Nairobi Metropolitan Services, the President also noted the 28 hospitals being set up within Nairobi’s informal settlements to ensure people have access to proper health care.

"These are some of the things we are doing and we are not shouting about them but they are being done. We are affecting people's lives and we are changing them. All these we have achieved despite the crisis of Covid that we face,” Uhuru added.

With a vision to have accessible and affordable healthcare in slums, President Kenyatta last year August directed NMS to construct 28 hospitals, where 19 facilities were to be built from scratch while five would be rehabilitated.

From the 19 to be built, 10 facilities will be Level 2 hospitals and the rest will be Level 3.

The new hospitals mostly located in informal settlements have around 2,000 health care workers to attend to the patients.

Upon completion, as from February this year up to date, 14 hospitals have been commissioned which has seen the number of patients reduce not only at KNH but also in Mbagathi and Mama Lucy hospitals.

The 14 hospitals include The Kibera Level 3, Undugu, Ng'undu Kamulu, Ngomongo and Zimmerman were commissioned last month.

 Gichagi in Kangemi, Mukuru Kwa Rueben, Tassia Kwa Ndege and Our Lady of Nazareth in Mukuru Kwa Njenga were opened in July.

The Uthiru, Kiamaiko, Soweto-Kayole, Ushirika and Green Park hospitals were opened in February.

Mathare-Korogocho Level 5 Hospital once commissioned now be known as Mama Margaret Kenyatta Hospital.    BY THE STAR   

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