Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the contractors of the Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail line to employ locals during construction.
"Nataka kuambia hawa waChina, waakikishe kwamba wameajiri waKenya kwa hii mambo, waChina wakue tu watatu, hao wengine lazima wakue waKenya," he said.
This is loosely translated to: I want to tell the Chinese that they must ensure they employ a lot of Kenyans in the construction of this railway line, the Chinese should only be three - the financial officer, contractor, and engineer.
Gachagua added that the contractors should also ensure that the employees are paid by Saturday, and not let Kenyans wait for their pay at the end of the month.
"Ata sisi waKenya tunaweza jenga reli, tukona akili, lakini hawa waChina wawe na engineer wao kutuongoza, na pesa ifike mapema, isiwe mwisho wa mwezi tu," he added.
(Kenyans can also construct railway lines, we have the will and the brains to do so. The Chinese should bring their engineer to guide our workers and their pay should come in early, not at the end of the month).
Additionally, Gachagua said the construction and completion of the railway will improve the transport system of the area and in turn improve the economic activities of the Ngong area.
"We are certain this railway line will improve the livelihoods of people of this area, we always keep our promises."
The DP spoke during the launch of the construction works for the Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail line, Ngong, Kajiado County.
Gachagua added that the Kenya Kwanza administration is keen on creating more employment for the youth and will ensure its mandate is delivered.
"Ata hapa mambo ya affordable housing inakuja, na mimemuomba Rais aakikishe io mambo imeenda mbio kama risasi, lazima vijana wetu wapate kazi," he said.
(The construction of affordable housing is also coming up in this area, and I have urged the President to ensure the construction is done steadily and fast so that our youth can acquire jobs)
