🇰🇪 Kenya launches multi-billion dollar railway amid concerns over costs | Al Jazeera English
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- čas přidán 29. 05. 2017
- Kenya launches multi-billion dollar railway amid concerns over costs
Kenya has unveiled its first new railway in a century. The first section of the multi-billion dollar project is now operational after two and a half years of construction.
The route will eventually connect Kenya to several of its neighbours and is the country's biggest infrastructure project since independence in 1963.
But the China-backed project has been surrounded by allegations of corruption, high cost of construction and environmental threats.
Al Jazeera's Catherine Soi reports from Mombasa, Kenya.
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I'd rather see America invest its money in a project like this, rather than spend $2.4 trillion on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sal Nal you've said it true.
I'd rather see Islamic countries destroy radical islamic terrorism so the US can bring it's soldiers home...
+sadiq farat, If the US "created ISIS", as you say, why are we bombing and killing them?
As for China doing something good for the poor, you might want to think twice about that.
Why is China helping poor countries? To build their One Belt, One Road (OBOR); which will increase THEIR trade.
When China offers to build something in a poor country, why do they bring in Chinese laborers and not use local labor? The locals would be paid and in turn start spending their money locally, helping the local shopkeepers, restaurants, etc.? The economy would grow. Instead, China supplies its workers from China, for the most part.
When China makes a deal in a "poor country", that country also agrees that if they default on the loan, they will use natural resources to repay the loan. So, when they cannot pay with money, they start paying with natural resources. Instead of selling/trading those natural resources on the open (global) market and earning income, it's going to China. How is that helping the host nation?
Does China train local workers to increase their skills? After the project (like a railway) is completed, who makes repairs or does regular upkeep/maintenance: Chinese workers or local workers?
China is out for one thing and that is China.
Do not (conveniently) forget the billions of US dollars the US gives to third world countries every year. For example, USAID efforts in Kenya is involved in improving education, agriculture, healthcare, nutrition and other social programs. The US has been helping Kenyans for 50 years...how long as China been there? Are they helping grow crops and treating sick children or is China only building a railway or ports so China can move its products through Kenya?
A Yank to be like a hero
Nah the US did effectively create ISIS even though it was not intentional, and that's why you don't go starting wars/overthrowing leaders (to your benefit) with everyone and creating power vacuums all over the place.
Kenya has always been one of the best countries in Africa. I've always had good impressions of Kenya.
somehow the media still found a way to bring their negativity in what is supposed to be a great triumph . honestly a heading like '"Kenya launches multi-billion dollar railway amid concerns over costs" whats your problem al jazeera??? its not like we are asking you to foot the bill,
no you're asking china
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bridge_failures
satisfied? search for United States, find your christmas suprise.
My thoughts too, i second you
kelvin mwaniki Al-Jazeera is the CNN of the Middle East. Their reporting and journalism lacks credibility but they also have a partisan prejudice against anything that doesn't fall in line with their hypocritical approach to world affairs. Simply put, Al-Jazeera is a propaganda channel...how they feature you depends on where you stand..
one Chinese official made it plain what he stated China's involvement in Africa does not exclude any third party. why are China and Iran hate it when they have not invited anyone in modern times.
my country is moving forward thank you lord
its just a train lol
this is africa
Darnit Productions it's not just a train. The uk became a power house because they invented trains then business could happen quicker. Before this getting to one side of kenya to the other would talk a whole day maybe more. Now it takes around 4 hours. It might not seem like much but speeding up business industrialises and industry and business spreads. It's a game changer
When even kenya has better trains that Australia.
Bill Lam true?
Yes and No.. The railway lines support a higher speed but the actual train carriages look cheap and nasty.. The seating and finish in Australian train carriages are better.
And Canada
@@AdstarAPAD
Was Kenya competing Australia or what?!?....
@@yukinat1 No Kenya and Australia are not in train competition.. Each country has the railway system that their governments can afford and feel is necessary.. As i said The New Kenyan line is New and therefore can support a higher speed then a large proportion of Australia's railway system..
Australia does have superior lines but they service the movement of Coal from coal mines to ports and the same with Iron ore.. So the better lines in Australia make their money from moving Ores for export..
But Australian passenger trains have better carriages for sure.. Our locomotives are better also..
Some accused China exploit Kenya with high cost. But can any Western nation or Japan build this cheaper and faster than China? And provide soft loans to Kenya?
any countries can... just that they don't want to give kickbacks.
Anyone coud built it cheaper!
Matti Lähde look at the new railway Japan is trying to build in India. It’s a disaster.
@@mattilahde5220 , go and check it out yourself, don't simply said anyone could build the new railway for Kenya cheaper ! Otherwise you are just lying!
@@vincenttan6303 ,quote some countries and the cost of building, don't just say something out of thin air !
Good job Kenya from India 😊👍👌
i wish we had better train network like india .. this is overrated
+henry abuya China is helping you develop that's good, but the problem is the loan China is providing you is too much which will be very hard to repay, do you know what happened to Srilanka??? They took loans from China just like kenya but now every year 85% of their GDP goes to China in terms of repaying loans, and China even took controls of their ports, they are modern day colonizers but instead of killing they colonize countries by economic debt.
Don't judge me by my name. So China don't have these country best interest at heart?
China colonize Sri Lanka? China colonize Africa?
Do you know the meaning of colonialism?
Africa has rich natural resources, West company is digging it..so why Africa is still hungry today, but Saudi Arabia is rich??
Let me tell you the truth..
Because West still colonizes Africa economy today, West global company take out trillions X trillions of natural resources, bribe the dictator with million dollars, a penny money for a country, a huge money for a dictator..So small countries can't say NO..if the dictator doesn't listen to West power, like he wants to nationalize local global company, he would get assassinated by CIA, or bombed or overthrown under name of democracy, or got kicked by anti-goverment organization US sponsored, it's called COLOR REVOLUTION!then West power find a proxy man and support him to be a new pan-West dictator..then make a show like some charity NGO donate 10 tons food, pretend Westerner is helping Africa..hey, Africa need trillions tons of food, not 10 tons!!
China is neither a colonist, nor philanthropist, I hate people saying China like Angel, that sounds naive and fancy,..Chinese pays Africa for natural resources with international price, or Chinese pays Africa ports, bridges, highways, high buildings, power stations, and jobs instead, which Whites think Blacks don't deserve these modern stuff,,,same time China's overproduction problem is fixed, do Africans need cheap Chinese products?Sure, without cheap Chinese smartphones, most of people in developing country can't afford Iphone7...some people say Chinese products are craps, ok you pay 1000usd get Huawei, 500usd get OPPO, 100usd get Redmi, 50usd get TECNO, it just proves you are too poor,,,There will be more industries moving to Africa, Africa's high unemployment rate will drop..so this is win-win..
400 years ago, a Chinese voyager Zhenghe, his ship is 100 times bigger than Columbus', he arrived in India and East Africa, he can colonize India and Africa, but Chinese don't have such colonist mindset, he only bought and brought back few giraffes as pet, not slaves and left forever..
After Zhenghe, Westerner rules Africa for dark 400 years, Africans know what West gives you..today, you check what Chinese gives Ethiopia in just 10 years, check the skyline of Addis Ababa, you would be shocked how modern it is...democracy is invisible, food and infrastructure is touchable, this is real a human need rights...so Westerners is so afraid of this new competitor, Chinese is keen to economy development, smart at technology, even more hardworking than Africans, never interfere to your politics, yes RESPECT AFRICA! but West still has media power, so they keep uglifying Chinese's work everyday, being very picky to China's company, they hope Africans kick out Chinese, Africans learnt a lesson, they may be not educated but not stupid, if Africans kicked out Chinese, there will be no other chance for Africa's rise..Today, 80% Africans seem happy with Chinese.
China and Africa are partners, traders, businessmen relationship..
You need to be alert the fancy words like charity, human rights, democracy, the better it sounds, the evil it will be..you need to see what Westerners do, not listen to what Westerners say..
Yeah, finally we have one naval base besides US naval base..i think Chinese is afraid US may attack kenya under name of democracy
Trains look better than most of the trains in South Asia.
Africa is galloping.
ahaha....ok buddy....take it eazy
They are still new. just wait a few years and we will see.
The trains in South Asia look worn out due to overloading with 000s of humans riding recklessly on top.Total savages.
"000s of humans riding recklessly on top"
That happens rarely in India anymore. Maybe on a few routes if there is a especially congested route or some holiday rush or something. Basically a very area specific issue, limited to a couple of eastern states. I grew up in Punjab in north west India and never actually saw anyone ride on top of trains. The shocking pictures do not actually represent everything that goes on in a vast country like India.
Metros and Maharaja Trains may look better but what about passenger trains. Have you ever got into the passenger compartment? They certainly not look better than the train shown in this video.
Too many experts in here. I hope you have all built your lives.
3 Billion is expensive for 500km track? A few Air Force One planes cost more than 4 Billion.
Vegre Muse read some comments from kenya people, they dislike this "old" type train, they wanna high speed train. Sometimes you can wondering why those Africans suffering poor thousands years.
what you don't know is that the govt had to buy land from people...secondly the govt created 30 station this was to create new towns and to revive old towns and industries...remember that the train was passing through a national park so they had to come up with a better way just a few to mention ....the problem with Kenya is its immature politics...
alex muchina To some leaders it's better not to invest in infrastructure because that can translate to more opportunities for the general population which means reducing the size of followers they take advantage of by playing cheap and emotional politics. NASA strives best at these kind of politics. just complain, critisize and never offer any solutions. just follow their campaigns and listen carefully, No solutions and a very vague manifesto which never gives us or brake down how they will impliment anything. siasa mbaya maisha mbaya. wait I've seen this NASA trick being played somewhere. Trump used the same trick playing with the emotions of people by lying, criticizing everything progressive and never gave a clear answer on how he will run the government later to admit he wasn't aware of how hard it is to take on big programs . we can all see how America has turned out to be a world laughing stock. this time around I will vote for the lesser evil since no politician is saint and corruption free. my determining factor this election will be the track record. All these politicians have been in power in one way or the other. They all got some dirt on their records. one has to lay out a vision that makes sense to me. Uhuru is trying. Now I can travel to mombasa and nairobi in one day, that's progress. I expect to see a government that's doing something that can make life easier for every citizen. . madaraka express will change many lives and create lots of opportunities due to industrial blocks that will arise along the track stations. Schools, businesses, hospitals, residential property will arise which will benefit a lot of people. More goods coming and leaving the country in a timely manner will generate wealth. More infrastructure of this magnitude is what we need . loans needs to be addressed to reasonable terms and amounts but we can't look back if we're going to achieve vision 2030. we're racing against time and as we all know time never waits for anyone. vitendawili will not deliver us from poverty nor is just planning and never implimenting anything, NASA is now trying to imply jubilee just took NARC idea. so does it mean if raila becomes our next president he will not even look or impliment any of the jubilee ideas even if they can be of a great benefit to the common mwananchi? oh I see that happening with trump doing destruction to his country. some of his supporters are starting to see through his bullshit once he comes up with proposals that affects them. Let's not fall in this category as country and vote with our brains and take advantage of the election and the leadership that will benefit us. by the way I've been cursed out as a kikuyu and a jubilee mole for speaking the truth. It's funny were in 21st century and some people haven't moved on from tribal politics. what amazes me is to see how some people fall for these kind of politics yet all the leaders wine and dine together after playing with the citizens minds who ends up tribalism, hating, hurting or killing each other due to political affiliations. Very sad indeed
Mtaani Kenya smart man.keep it up ,ppl like you is what will change your country.
As a matter of fact, just one.
Rise Kenya rise, it will make traveling much safer than cars and tourists like me love trains if it's clean and new.
Africans what have you done, with Tarzan and Jane? in this new African tranpotortation era.
Chinese financed, Chinese made, Chinese operated - locals will train in parallel. China is a force for global good - this is why I love China.
Another bod 90% jobs belongs to Africans，it is very helpful for them to find good jobs
Another bod
Ys, China is a force of good
people are worrying about loads too much. but there is no business without loads nowadays. China is the largest US debts owner. does that means China is conolizing the US？ the fact is opposide, the US is colonizing every its debets owner on economics.
China force of good yet they kill protesters for their organs, censor free speech and persecute minority groups
TheLightningZap yeah true. Im one of protester posting comment about bad thing of government done online everyday in China. and I am using my only one last thumb taping these words to reply you and my organs were gone that I have to live with artificial ones. keep this western propaganda in mind and that's enough for your whole life konowlage learning.
respect China for doing this
Win-win together.
I am no railway cost expert but i know if you allow European railway companies to do this, the cost is likely to be 30-40% more.
US president Trump has just signed a 400 billion arm deal with Saudi and the Arab world to fight against ISIS, which is a good cause for the world. a F-35A Fighter costs $100 million, F-35C Joint Strike Fighter costs $131.2 million.
So my question is this , Al Jazeera why you did not tell Saudi prince that this arm deal is really "over cost"? Compared to the 3.5b Kenya railway, i think the jets are really over cost.
I heard Kenyan president Kenyatta said he will hang the people who vandalize the railway :°
Isn't that what his father did after independence to his friends so by that I'm not surprised at! 😁😁😁
Muhammadu Tafawa Bello that's just saying. He must follow the law
Ive no problem with him killing the people who want to vandalize the railway ....just like the wild parks the order....of shoot to kill ......for people who want to vandalize our wild life ....i completely support him
I hope he does
Lets look at a positive side and see it as an attraction for more tourism - and a decline in Road accidents, Time to visit Kenya By Rail
Carl Anthony Browne welcomed Kenya
AFRICAN based in Europe. I'm really proud KENYA . GO AFRIKA. BLESSINGS =》=》=》
10 times better trains than india and twice as fast !!!! Good Job Kenya
dany moncy
this feels really nice. thanks
dany moncy lol wtf u said? india has trains with speed of 500 km/h
sadiq i totally agree with u :(
sadaq farat Why would you compare space exploration with railways? The average speed of "passenger" trains in India is slow (40-60 kmph) because its rail network is very complex with passenger trains, express trains, suburban trains and freight trains running on the same lines. But nonetheless, the Indian Railways also has many trains running at speeds over 130 kmph with top speeds of 160 kmph (200 kmph is possible but not allowed). The average speed of "express trains" is 110 kmph. And what's so hilarious about it? In fact, I find you to be stupidly hilarious.
Deepak its 400 kmph sicko
God bless China
Ahasan Habib
china contruction but train made by PT INKA indonesia
God bless china for erasing religion? Great!
All the best Kenya. We love you. 🇮🇳
good for Kenya..... well good luck hope Africa shines
It will surely boost tourism. I am in West Africa and will go to take the train in this August or September!
Chine is the best thing that has ever happened to the world. No racism just people making their money.
Well done Kenya! Keep shining ! Love and support from Somalia 🇸🇴 🇰🇪
Well done Kenya !
Did that economist say the technology is not up to date? based on your extensive knowledge of Railway tech or based on your Econ degree? SMH
Don't let them bother you. Bro. They just don't want to see Kenya developing better.
Clement Gitonga
Based on his bondo fake engineer
Can you imagine, like WTH is he on about...Rubbish
Much cheaper than India 14 billion dollars for 500 km hsr. That will also take a very long time to build
Quote: "In China most railways are not really making money, the ticket price for many lines has not been changed for ten years. But this is benefiting all other sectors..just like they say this rail way is boosting the GDP by 1.5%. So can you see? The point is, the purpose of having the railway link in East Africa is not to make tons of dollars by just running it..but to help Kenya's economy to boom in a general perspective. The railway definitely will help many other businesses such as manufacture/logistics/tourism etc to boom among Africa. It will strengthen Kenya as the economic power in East Africa."
Congratulations Kenya. Goodluck from India
Dev as an Indian living know Kenya, thank you so much brother :)
If this was a USA/EU-backed project， the project would still not be compeleted in 2050 and Kenya government would have been overthrowed by CIA for more than 10 times.
lol
夏眠 I'm Kenyan and I agree
What a beautiful rail line! Go Kenya!
what a beautiful scenery. what a beautiful country!
Cool! Keep it up guys! Love to Kenya from Colombia.
The growing asian influence in Africa is not really welcomed by the colonials who looted this continent ! best of luck to kenyan brothers :) love and peace from Pakistan.
Rifos , Well, only Chinese are welcome here, not everyone
There is a cost in being democratic and an open society where individual rights are considered. In Kenya, the government had to spend huge chunks of money to compensate farmers and such, in Ethiopia, the government did not need to do that because it just possessed land without compensating the owners. Those criticising Kenya should consider this in their argument against SGR!
The One and only Uhuru Kenyata! thumbs up!
The anonymity of Internet allows people to talk all kinds of nonsense. Before posting a comment it's important to ask yourself if you would say the same thing to someone face to face
Clement Gitonga
well said.
I love this.
I went on this train last year to Mombasa - superb - money well spent !
good job Mr President in just 5 years... hopefully we'll get some graffiti on it😂😂#matwanaculture
Jamal fathela hahaha it can really look crazy bro.....I love matwana show
Jamal fathela 4yrs
Yes love it.
When Kenya have better trains than your country
proud of our neighbour ET
Super stuff.....Respect!
woow GOD continue blessing my motherland kenya. ...team Kenya comment GOD BLESS KENYA & likes here. .
Looking forward to riding this new train when I go to Kenya this December. Years ago I lived in Kenya and often took the 5:00pm EAR&H train from Nairobi to Mombasa. Used to love eating in the dining car with wood paneling and velvet curtains going through Nairobi Game Park as the sun set. Because both the road and the rail have become so slow, I have only been flying between the two cities. However, if this train is efficient, I'll enjoy using it.
I prefer chinese rather than western capitalist since doing business wt them some how u can get win win situation after all they were there since the days of independence doing some fine jobs like TAZARA railway line Tanzania & Zambia,
Rise Kenya! Rise! love from the Philippines
Africa is performing better than lot of Euroasian countries these days!
Very happy for Kenya
Hongera Kenya Trains na Terminals na huduma zinaonesha poa sana tushukuru kwa maendeleo afadhali sgr trains kuliko zile kama kobe maendeleo amani na tuimarishe kiswahili lugha yetu wakenya
china is great nation cheers from India ...we have to learn a lot , thanks for the benchmark and competition , our sick corrupted political class should get nightmares ...
beautiful..
Nice
Love from Ghana 🇬🇭
our black brothers are very happy.good luck.
If the West can do just fractionally better or cheaper why don't they offer a proposal to Kenya instead of all these allegations of corruption, high cost of construction and environmental threats???
Kenya and the rest of Africa are in desperate need of infrastructures in the elevation of poverty BUT has any Western country offered them any help???
Yes, it's a question of the chicken or the egg. Africa cannot afford money on these infrastructures BUT they also definitely cannot afford to remain in poverty forever at the behest of the West.
masha Allah
The east is stepping up...wonderful
Mr president before you hang those who vandalize this outdated railway, tell us what you've done to those who stole billions in the Eurobond scandal, anglo leasing and other mega looting scandals in kenya
i expected imbeciles like you to retaliate with vulgar language because i attacked your political god
ORAGO PAUL if we have to hang those who have stolen billions, aren't we supposed to hang raila or it's different and have to pass the blame for the looting he and his cahoots did to mumias. .. just to name one. where are the funds he used to receive when he was the kibera MP for 15 yrs. point to his development achievements for kibera, I'll wait
well done kenya! glad to see africa is changing into a better future
This is good for traveling I use to hate bus rides
western media A. J. freaked out,sad,envious of what China did
Wow 😳 Kenya 🇰🇪 is moving on modern age . ✌️👏
Well-Wish From Pakistan :)
A good start. It is a good first step. The improvement depends on the full infrastructure that will e eventually connects through intercontinental countries as even new canals are opening too for ships and ports. Hope the African nation will work hard too. There will be more trade not only from China but other importers n exporters. Great start
Nice one
Cost of construction is just too high... The UK is spending the cost of your entire line on refurbishing one station.
Awesome..God bless Kenya
I'm Somali American and I'm glad Africa is shifting from West to East
Its just adds value to beautiful African countryside. from hinderlands to the East african sea
Good job
congratulations Kenya
africa remain united
Wow Kenya is moving on up, congrats.
Well done Kenya.
7.3bln dollars for 500km track\ land purchase\ traines\ operation system\ personel training is not a bad deal.
Classy uniforms, especially the ladies'. Noice
well done
British railways passing through National park but no, this railway will be an issue with conservation.
For some people, this is a positive thing for Kenya, as a country despised by the superpowers, this work was probably financed by China.
AFRICAN COUNTRIES REALLY HAVE BEEN WASTING THEIR TIME FIGHTING ONE ANOTHER AND NOT BUILDING THE LAND THEY'RE BLESSED WITH. CONGRATS KENYA👏👏
Only one line it's an elevated track
African lion safari in a train, reminds me of Jurassic world maglev lol
this definitely won't fail
Looks like diesel electric how much to fill the tank ?
Kenya has been blessed by China. Kenyans forever grateful
wa kenya niko happy sana mume enda mbele one love from somali mwenzenu Kenya is my second country for sure
africa needs development to lead the future
with love from india
this is a great achievement.please kenya dont be like cameroon develop your country and may god bless u all
The train is owned by china Kenya will pay a lot for this in the future .
The cost is will be very high because Kenya is still a developing country and paying it of will be harder
I really wish that Nigeria can have more new railways.. too many road accidents between states...and even here they can have an West African railway linking Cameron, Ghana to Senegal which will be a huge blessing for WECA region. For Africa to fly, it will need a good railway network like China and India. Railways are more economic and efficient than roads plus cars are owned by only a handful of people. The majority of Africa population can not afford cars now. Thats why public transportation is so important.
As a Kenyan living abroad. Whereas it's amazing china doing this kenya needs to make sure that this is an equal partnership and they have signed up to what they can pay for. If this isn't an equal partnership then in the future you'll see kenya being run by china. Kenya has to be very thoughtful before it becomes a colony of china or something. Make partnership not leader
They should have made the sgr electric
That means many truck drivers would lose their jobs.
But a think this railway is going to create new jobs for all Kenya people, lower the prices to import products, facilitate export of local products, attract more tourist......
good train.
form Chinese point of view, we think every country has her own history and circumstances, we should respect every country to find the way best for them instead of give a a model to follow
The price absurd. China is not helping Kenia like this
irony is china itself have high speed railways at home and giving Kenya and other countries 120km/hr train
Brian is good please use more
So let me put it this way, you are an average income working class worker you wrok hard and you have a family to feed and someday you suddenly received a latest Ferrari supercar as a gift, oc its beautiful fast and worth loads of money but dose it really suitable for your family? maybe a reliable big eco friendly van is much better what do you think.
In China the high speed train is great no doubt about that, but the 120km/h slow train is still really common cause its costs much lower and
can take much more cargo then high speed train. so i hope you can get my point
@@dfh4223 lol kiddo saying other are beggars to commi government like fat china ,thats why taiwan(real china) and hongkong always better in tech and stuff ,still commi have shinny stuff that get wrecked even on few runs ,lol you don't even deserve to say the name luxury or ferrari go make fake one and say chiaferrari ,weirdo brainwashed using 360km/h above thing and saying you need to lower the standard to lower the cost . overpopulated mess for sure
i have registed but i cant login yet
Have you guys actually SEEN the video? China didn't do it for free, didn't do it because it's a nice nation or because is very concerned about Africa. It just landed the money. A LOT of money. So much money that, as the video points out, makes it hard for Kenya to pay it back. Also, the economist said that the cost of this railway was 50% more expensive than in neighbour countries. You think that China will just let this debt go? They want control over African governments, want african lands and the african market and they are achieving that with great success. Why? Simply because, dufferent from the americans, the chinese government doesn't care if this money goes for corruption, to fund civil wars, dictatorships or crimes againt humanity. They are only interested in the benefits they will get for themselves.
João Pedro Peixoto You might want to do more research to know the reality, not just say like this. Are the railways you compared the same considering the difficulty to build? How many bridges have to be built as it runs through national parks? How technological advanced does this railway compared the one you mentioned neighbor country? It's not just railway, more like a system, if you learn more information.
Nah Chinese product is never expensive.