Feature: Chinese youths lend skills to fast-track development of Kenya's Railway project

The hot and humid weather at the Kenyan coastal town of Voi can be punishing to many foreigners but not Zuo Lin, a 26-year-old native of northeast China who proudly cerebrated her first anniversary in a region famed for its scenic attractions.

Zuo works at the human resources department of China Roads and Bridges Corporation that is building the Standard Gauge Railway to connect Kenya and the larger eastern African region.

A university graduate with English major, Zuo is among a burgeoning number of Chinese youth whose world views are largely shaped by the unrelenting tide of globalization.

During a telephone interview with Xinhua on Sunday ahead of the National Youth Day in China on Monday, Zuo said her new abode has opened new frontiers in her career and worldviews.

"Growing up in Northeastern China, my knowledge about Africa was limited, but when an opportunity to visit the continent knocked, I took it gladly," Zuo told Xinhua.

She had a brief stint in Botswana and South Africa before relocating to Kenya to work at the mega railway project that is expected to transform regional economies.

Zuo told Xinhua her initial assignments involved recruiting local employees and offering them technical skills to enable them perform their new roles effectively.

"After setting a camp in Voi, we commenced the recruitment process and soon we had enough local personnel," said Zuo.

She revealed that 2,200 Kenyan employees have already been recruited to work at Section Two of the Standard Gauge Railway.

Zuo's grasp of English language and easy demeanor has made it easy for her to jell with Kenyan employees. The eloquent English speaker has also mastered a few Kiswahili words.

"It is a learning curve for both Kenya and Chinese working at the Standard Gauge Railway. We are able to share knowledge and expertise required to speed up implementation of the modern railway line," said Zuo.

Zuo said her relationship with Kenyan colleagues was healthy, fruitful and devoid of misunderstanding that may derail execution of the mega railway project.

"Kenyan employees are very hardworking, adaptable and keen on learning new things. We train those who lack technical skills to enable them fit easily in the new work environment," Zuo told Xinhua.

She disclosed that Kenyan employees have gradually learnt how to communicate in mandarin thanks to the influence of Chinese colleagues.

Highly trained Chinese youth have become an integral part of Africa's transformation by offering skills needed to implement infrastructure projects.

Zuo and her Chinese compatriots working at the Standard Gauge Railway have vowed to devote skills and energy to help Kenya realize economic and social progress.

As a human resources professional, Zuo fully understands the value of creating a critical mass of trained citizens in a country that is on the cusp of industrial take off.

"The speedy implementation of Standard Gauge Railway and other infrastructure projects in Kenya hinges on availability of trained youth," said Zuo.

China's Export Import (EXIM) Bank has provided 90 percent of funding to the 472-kilometer modern railway line connecting Mombasa and Nairobi.

An estimated 30,000 Kenyan workers will participate in the construction of Standard Gauge Railway that will be completed by June 2017.

Chinese personnel have complemented their Kenyan counterparts to ensure the Standard Gauge Railway is of high quality.

According to Zuo, outstanding sills and firm commitment from employees are crucial to fast-track development of the Standard Gauge Railway.

"The Standard Gauge Railway project will strengthen our friendship with Kenya. The Chinese have exported skills while Kenyans will benefit from a modern transport system that eases travel. This is a win-win arrangement," Zuo remarked.

Her love for Kenya's iconic landscapes and rich culture has reached the zenith.

"It has been a rewarding experience during my one year stay in Kenya. The people are friendly and have been able to visit different parts of the country to view breathtaking landscapes," Zuo told Xinhua.

She disclosed that she has fallen in love with Kenyan dishes like roast meat and Tusker beer.

"Given a chance, I would stay in Kenya forever, hold my wedding in the country and buy a house for retirement," Zuo vowed. Endi