Kenyan technicians gain from Chinese firms ' skills transfer

Kenyan gut Douglas Ambaka knew from an early age that vocational skills were an escape route from poverty, which made him save every coin to pursue a basic course in construction.

Born in the rugged hills of western Kenya where farming cannot guarantee a sustainable livelihood to this ambitious youngster, Ambaka decided to move to the capital city Nairobi searching for a more promising future.

Currently an accomplished technician with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Ambaka credits hard work and reliable friends for enabling him achieve life's goals.

He was among Kenyan employees at CRBC who participated in the first technical skills contest organized by the corporation on Tuesday.

During an interview with Xinhua, Ambaka hailed cordial working relationship with Chinese colleagues that has enabled him acquire lifelong skills.

"An opportunity to work at the Standard Gauge Railway project has been an eye opener and besides acquiring skills in welding and masonry, I'm able to support my family," said Ambaka.

Ambaka is among 30,000 Kenyans employed by CRBC to implement the Standard Gauge Railway project that will be completed by June 2017.

His participation at the technical skills contest on Tuesday marked a new milestone in his career.

"At least we had an opportunity to learn new things from our Chinese colleagues. Skills gained from my stint at the CRBC will be helpful even after the Standard Gauge Railway is completed," Ambaka told Xinhua.

Chinese firms that are implementing mega infrastructure projects in Kenya have opened opportunities to the country's youth.

Besides providing a sustainable source of income, the Chinese corporations have promoted transfer of knowledge and skills that would be applied in their local employees' future life.

The Assistant General Manager, Standard Gauge Railway project, Shen Yushan noted that skills transfer will have multiplier effects on Kenya's socio-economic development.

"A platform to share knowledge is crucial to achieve our common goals. Having acquired valuable skills in the line of duty, Kenyan workers will contribute immensely to the country's development," Yushan said.

He added the first technical skills contest provided an opportunity to gauge the competence of Kenyan employees.

Kevin Momanyi, a 23-year-old technician at CRBC feels honored to work in a company whose terms of service are above board.

Momanyi was employed by CRBC in February this year after completing a certificate course in masonry. His three months stint at the CRBC has not only been rewarding but has also widened his horizons.

"I have been performing many tasks here at CRBC and this is a learning experience that I will always treasure. The company provides us with safety gear while supervisors are not stingy with lending expertise," Momanyi told Xinhua.

His Kenyan colleagues agreed that Chinese firms have unleashed huge opportunities that will have a lasting impact on the East African nation.

Saviour Ebuur, a 30 year old technician at CRBC noted that Chinese funded infrastructure projects have shielded young Kenyans from economic deprivation and social illnesses.

"I performed general tasks when I joined CRBC but currently I'm competent in masonry and carpentry. Our Chinese supervisors treat us as equals while the experience gained will come in handy during my twilight years," Ebuur said.

His colleague, Simon Wanjala said that Chinese funded infrastructure projects came to his rescue as a young adult when job prospects diminished each passing day.

"Despite limited skills, CRBC absorbed me and I have gained rich expertise in diverse fields like masonry, plumbing and structural engineering," said Wanjala.

He noted that mentorship from Chinese supervisors has injected confidence and passion for technical jobs. Endi