Kenya Railways to inherit few Chinese expats after SGR takeover

[John Ashworth]

Kenya Railways to inherit few Chinese expats after SGR takeover

The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has taken over more functions on the standard gauge railway from the Chinese operator ahead of the full transfer in May. KRC managing director Philip Mainga said the corporation would handle the loading and offloading of the SGR passenger and cargo trains as part of a deal to fully run operations on the Chinese-funded and built track by May. KRC has been handling ticketing, security and fuelling since March last year... “The management and the board is determined to see a gradual takeover of operations from AfriStar. We are optimistic that once all staff members from the operator are brought on board, the cost of operation will go down.” Mr Mainga sought to downplay fears that Kenyan workers currently stationed at AfriStar have not been fully trained to take over SGR operations come June. He said that the number of Chinese currently working at AfriStar have been reduced, with only a few individuals handling critical areas remaining...