Feature: Chinese built dual carriage way create new jobs for Kenyans

Esther Muchai never dreamt of ever working in a road construction site while growing up in a farming village in central Kenya and only associated this profession with heavily built men.

The mother of two aspired to work in a hospital and upon completing high school; she secured a place in a government medical college where she studied laboratory technology.

A diploma in laboratory technology never fulfilled Muchai's childhood dream of securing a job in a health facility and soon the tragic reality of staring at unemployment and financial stress became unbearable.

Like millions of Kenyan youth who migrate to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi in search of elusive jobs, Muchai was forced to plunge into hawking business to enable her pay house hold bills.

Her fortunes changed three months ago when Chinese Construction firm, Sino Hydro Corporation employed her as general laborer in the Nairobi's Outering Dual Carriage Highway Project.

Sino Hydro won the tender to expand the 13 kilometer dual carriage way that links Mombasa Road and Thika Superhighway.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2015 launched the construction of the dual carriageway financed by the African Development Bank (AFDB) to ease transport in Nairobi's Eastlands region.

Muchai is among hundreds of Kenyan technicians who have benefitted from construction of the dual carriage way that will transform road transport in the densely populated Nairobi's Eastlands region.

During an interview with Xinhua on Monday at the kilometer 4 section of the dual carriage way, Muchai said she felt honored to be part of the team that is implementing the mega infrastructure project.

"The experience of working at the outering road expansion project has been rewarding while the daily wages are higher than what I used to earn as a fruit vendor," Muchai told Xinhua.

She used to sell bananas to Kenyan technicians involved in the construction of outering dual carriage highway and longed to join them in the noble task.

"While selling ripe bananas, I was impressed by the commitment to duty demonstrated by both Kenyan and Chinese workers at the Outering road expansion project. I approached Chinese supervisors for an opportunity to work in the project and they honored my request," said Muchai.

Currently a general laborer at the Outering dual carriageway project, Muchai said besides enjoying a financial windfall, she has earned critical skills that would be applied in future.

"Our daily wages are reasonable by Kenyan standards and we enjoy a flexible work schedule. I have been able to save a lump sum in the last three months and intend to start a new business," Muchai told Xinhua.

She revealed that a job with Sino Hydro Corporation has made it possible for her to relocate to a bigger house in a secure suburb.

"I feel proud to be among few women working at the Outering road expansion project. More importantly, my two children now have brighter prospects in life since I can meet their needs comfortably," Muchai remarked

Her male colleague, Kennedy Oseko said working at the dual carriage way project for the last four months has opened new doors to the middle aged father of three.

A driver by profession, Oseko did not struggle to secure a job with Sino Hydro Corporation that not only pays him reasonable wages but has also promised trainings in future.

"I used to work for several bus companies as a driver but found greener pastures here at the Outering road expansion project. My monthly earnings are higher and have acquired new skills that would be useful in future," Oseko told Xinhua

He revealed that he has accumulated substantial savings to enable him build a family home in a sparsely populated Nairobi suburb.

Kenyans with exceptional skills have been contracted by Sino Hydro Corporation to help implement the Outering road expansion project.

A forklift driver who preferred his first name James hailed an opportunity to work at the mega infrastructure project.

"I have five years experience working as a forklift driver and Sino Hydro Corporation hired me two months ago to work in the dual carriage way project. The experience is very fulfilling while my interaction with Kenyan and Chinese colleagues has been cordial," James told Xinhua

He revealed that on a good day, he earns 20 dollars and has been able to replenish his savings account and plans to invest in a retail shop for his wife.

James' comrade in arms who identified himself as Franco said fork lift drivers are admired professionals at the Outering road expansion project.

The father of three said he relished working as a forklift driver for Sino Hydro Corporation for the last one year.

"My one year stint in the Outering road expansion project as a forklift driver has been rewarding. This is a transformative project that will benefit future generations," Franco remarked. Enditem