President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday launched construction of the eight-kilometre Ngong SGR tunnel for Sh1.5 billion.
He criticised those opposed to construction of the second phase of the standard gauge railway. Uhuru hit out at MCAs for inciting residents, and told them to “behave like adults”.
“If you have a problem, come and say it. Contractors are chased away. Where shall we get them?” he asked.
Uhuru said the SGR will have no adverse effects on the Nairobi National Park, contrary to claims being made. “All that you are hearing ni upuzi [is silly]. There is nothing like that. Let them stop going to court and inciting locals,” he said.
The Nairobi-Naivasha section is 120km long, Naivasha-Kisumu is 250km and Kisumu-Malaba 118km.
The President also held a two-hour meeting with those working on the project. He urged contractors to create businesses for local industries by buying materials from them, instead of shipping in all materials from China.
“Forty per cent of the money used in materials will be sourced from local industries to grow the economy and create jobs,” Uhuru said.
He was accompanied by more than 15 MPs, one senator and three governors. Uhuru spoke at Embulbul.
He said the project, though very expensive, will open up the country, providing jobs and growing the economy. Uhuru said the first phase from Mombasa to Nairobi created 40,000 jobs.
He urged residents to cooperate with the builders, saying compensation will be done in accordance with the law.
The project will go through Nairobi, Naivasha, Narok, Bomet and Kisumu before reaching Malaba.
Uhuru said industrial parks will be established to provide jobs and grow the economy.
He urged Kenyans to initiate petitions to remove corrupt and nonperforming officers.