Kenya Railways has officially launched investigations to establish claims of local staff harassment by Chinese managers.
A statement sent to the newsrooms states:
“Following the Reports that appeared in the Sunday Standard on 8th July 2018, Kenya Railways has launched investigations into alleged incidents of mistreatment of local staff employed to facilitate operations at the Standard Gauge Railway (Madaraka Express operations) being undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under an Operations & Maintenance Services Contract entered into by the Parties in May 2017.
We have instructed the Standard Gauge Railway operator – China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to submit a report within 72 hours for critical review against what is in the public domain. We have also deployed our HR Team to engage with the local staff employed by the operator in order to independently establish the authenticity of these allegations to inform further actions.
We have taken the matters very seriously and should culpability be established against any person or persons, action will be taken in accordance with the Contract between us and the Operator and in accordance with the laws of Kenya.
Kenya Railways is committed to observe the highest ethical standards possible in execution of its mandate”
Sunday Standard reported that the Chinese are seriously mistreating locals working under them. The paper went further to reveal how poaching is rife with the people entrusted with managing the SGR.The report generated enormous reactions from Kenyans, prompting the government to react.But will any step be taken?