Raila to accompany Uhuru to China next week for Sh368bn SGR loan for extenstion to Kisumu

Raila to accompany Uhuru in foreign trip to borrow Sh368 Billion next week

Charles Ouma

April 20, 2019 5:06 PM

Raila reveals details of next week's trip that could see Kenya sink deeper into debt

File image of Raila Odinga with President Uhuru Kenyatta

Former Prime minister Raila Odinga has revealed that he will accompany President Uhuru Kenyatta to China next week.

Odinga divulged that the visit will pave way for more funds to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu.

Addressing the public at Sondu, Raila revealed that all plans are complete for the all-important visit that will revive Kisumu’s dwindling fortunes.

"I will be part of the delegation that will accompany the President to the Asian country next week. The new SGR line will extend from Naivasha to Narok, Bomet, Sondu and finally Kisumu," Odinga said.

ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses the crowd at Sondu market on Saturday 20 April 2019 Pulse Live Kenya

The visit comes shortly after a high-powered delegation, comprising officials from Treasury, Kenya Railways Corporation, the Transport ministry and the State Law Office, met last week to hammer out details of the borrowing ahead of the official signing.

Odinga who was recently appointed as the African Union's High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa revealed that the completion of the SGR will have a huge economic impact on Kisumu and transform it into a regional hub.

"We are going to establish a special economic zone in Kisumu and make the city the hub of East Africa," he said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta flags off one of the SGR trains during the launch of the cargo service on May 30 Pulse Live Kenya

According to Odinga, the SGR will also open up the underutilized port noting its potential to boost the county's economy and provide employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans.

Charles Ouma