China-sponsored training boosts Kenyans' grasp on railway technology

NAIROBI -- Thirty-year-old Kenyan Joseph Gitau is a liaison officer for the construction project of a high-speed railway line linking Nairobi to Mombasa by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

A finance graduate from Uganda's Makerere University, he worked briefly for Kenya's leading blue chip companies before joining in the CRBC in September 2013.

His brilliance and hard work secured him a coveted opportunity to visit China and receive a one-month refresher course on railway technology and management.

By virtue of his outstanding performance, Gitau was selected among thousands of applicants to attend the course that started in late July.

Sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the course targets mid-level and junior professionals working for railway corporations in developing countries.

Shortly after he returned from China, Gitau told Xinhua on Wednesday that the study in China marked "an important milestone" in his career and personal life.

"I was excited when an opportunity to visit China and participate in the training knocked. It was an honor to be shortlisted from among thousands of employees who desired for that once-in-a-lifetime chance," he said.

Gitau and his colleague, Benson Masavo, were the first batch of Kenyans to benefit from the training course.

All together, 20 Kenyans working for the Chinese construction company are expected to receive the course in China by the end of this year.

For the first batch, there were 30 junior and mid-level professionals from railway bureaus in Africa and Asia who participated in the one-month training aimed to improve their knowledge of modern railway technology.

Gitau was impressed by the strides China made in its economy, science and technology, and culture during his visit, especially the country's high-speed railway network.

"It was a golden opportunity to participate in an orientation seminar on how China developed its high speed railway. The training is very useful as we embark on developing the standard gauge railway," he said.

Gitau noted that China has developed some 18,000 km of high speed railway lines in a short span and China's experience could offer "vital lessons" to African countries grappling with inadequate transport infrastructure.

"Developing countries like Kenya are grappling with infrastructure bottlenecks and China is a model on how to overcome this challenge. In the absence of modern railway line, our economies can never be competitive," he said.

He said he would utilize skills acquired during the training in China in his future work and career.

"In future, I would like to pursue a career in the transport sector. Likewise, I am keen to participate in ports development in Kenya. Based on my training, I can fit easily in ports management." Gitau said.

Gitau also noted that his month-long stint in China enriched his understanding of a "rich and authentic" culture.

"The Chinese culture is very unique and emphasizes on noble ideals like hard work, perseverance, respect and harmony. I learnt about the lunar calendar and different cuisines during my stay in China." said Gitau.

His colleague Benson Masavo has also relished the experience in China, saying he gained knowledge on railway technology and management.

Masavo told Xinhua that his training in China exposed him to modern railway technology which he said could benefit African nations' development.

"China has pioneered railway technology that is formidable and is credited for fuelling economic growth. I believe Africa stands to benefit from modern railway systems." he said.

"Meanwhile, the standard gauge railway will chart a new path of development and prosperity in Kenya and the region. My skills, energy and passion will be directed to this project." added Masavo.