Feature: Kenyan technician secures lifeline in Chinese funded infrastructure projects

Gilbert Wachira has nostalgic memories of imposing hills and dense forests adjacent to his ancestral village in Central Kenya and often retreats there to reconnect with relatives and childhood friends.

The 45-year-old father of two credits rural upbringing for instilling in him courage and perseverance that enabled him to navigate the life's journey with ease.

Like millions of children born in post-independence Kenya, Wachira cherished education since it remained the surest path to a rewarding career.

Currently an accomplished supervisor with China Roads and Building Corporation (CRBC), Wachira has earned admiration from relatives and old friends for defying great odds to succeed in life.

During a telephone interview with Xinhua on Tuesday, Wachira revealed how strategic choices, mentorship and determination rescued him from rural poverty.

"Growing up in the village four decades ago was not smooth sailing due to rampant poverty that weighed heavily on majority of households. Nevertheless, education provided an escape route from penury," said Wachira.

After completing primary education, Wachira joined a boarding high school not far away from his ancestral village.

"During our days, high school education was revered, since it guaranteed youths a glamorous life away from the village. Blue collar jobs were mostly held by high school graduates," Wachira told Xinhua.

He then spent six years at the National Youth Service and obtained a certificate in plant mechanic. "My admission at the National Youth Service to pursue a course in plant mechanic marked a new milestone and I guarded this opportunity jealously since it was rare," Wachira told Xinhua.

During Wachira's era, technical courses were a gem in Kenya and guaranteed youths employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Immediately after graduation, he escaped the agony of trekking long distances in search for a job when CRBC absorbed him owing to his impressive resume.

"My first employer after college was CRBC and I have never regretted the decision to join this corporation. I was posted to the coast region where the company was implementing a roads project," said Wachira.

He joined a vibrant team of young Kenyan technicians engaged by CRBC to implement the Malindi-Hola road project.

Wachira was stationed at the Kenyan Coast between 1996-2003 as his employer implemented major infrastructure projects in the expansive region.

He was mainly involved in repair of machines and vehicles at the construction sites.

Wachira proved his mettle and his superiors deployed him to work in another road projects in lower eastern parts of Kenya.

"The experience in the roads projects was not only rewarding, but provided an opportunity to forge new friendship with people from different cultural backgrounds," Wachira told Xinhua.

In 2007, CRBC posted him to the Tanzania capital Dar-es-Salaam where the corporation was implementing mega infrastructure projects.

"We constructed several roads in Tanzania and my stay there was fulfilling. The people of Tanzania are very friendly and accommodating to foreigners," said Wachira.

His star shone brighter with each passing day and the employer rewarded his dedication and passion for the job.

Wachira was recalled back to Kenya in January 2014 when CRBC launched the construction of Standard Gauge Railway connecting Mombasa and Nairobi.

He is currently a foreman at one of the construction site located in lower eastern parts of Kenya.

Wachira is among thousands of Kenyans who have gained immensely from China funded infrastructure projects in the east African nation.

He supervises Kenyan workers involved in the construction of the modern railway line that is expected to transform the region's economies.

"I feel honored to be part of the team that will implement this historical project. Unwavering devotion paid off when my employer promoted me to a senior position," Wachira remarked.

His immediate family has benefitted from a 19 years stint at China Roads and Bridges Corporation.

"My wife and two children are proud of a job that has guaranteed them material comfort. I have been able to pay school fees for my children without hitches besides acquiring new skills, " Wachira told Xinhua.

He disclosed that monthly savings have enabled him to buy land and build a permanent house in the upper eastern parts of Kenya.

"Having acquired a sizeable piece of land, I am now able to conduct agribusiness that has boosted the family's income," said Wachira. Endi