Kenya, Tanzania leaders launch China-funded bypass in Nairobi

NAIROBI - A bypass in the south of the Kenyan capital Nairobi was officially launched on Tuesday at a ceremony attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Tanzanian counterpart John Pombe Magufuli.

China's Exim Bank provided 85 percent of funding for the Nairobi southern bypass. The work was carried out by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, which is building a modern railway line in Kenya.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Kenyatta said the 28-km bypass, which links two major highways, will offer a durable solution to traffic congestion in Nairobi.

"The southern bypass will help unclog traffic congestion in Nairobi's central business district that is created by trucks originating from the port of Mombasa and destined to western Kenya and large swathe of east and central Africa," Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta said the modern road network would unleash economic and social benefits in Kenya and the wider eastern African region.

"The Nairobi southern bypass will create new economic opportunities along its route. It will boost regional integration through faster movement of people and goods," said Kenyatta.

The president lauded China's financial and technical support that has accelerated the modernization of transport infrastructure in Kenya.

He added that Kenya would strengthen cooperation with China as it embarked on large-scale infrastructure development to hasten industrialization.

Magufuli, who is also the current chairman of the East African Community, hailed China's contribution to infrastructure development in the region.

"China has lent significant financial resources to expand and upgrade roads in this region. We look forward to fruitful engagement with China as we embark on a path of economic renewal," Magufuli said.