Chinese company empowers Kenya's economic transformation

At a ground-breaking ceremony on Nov 14, Charles Keter, Kenya's energy cabinet secretary, said the 400kV/40km double circuit Isinya-Konza Transmission Line Project will improve the quality of power supply in the Konza Technopolis and the surrounding regions.

The project is expected to steer the country's economic transformation through facilitation of the government's Big Four Agenda.

The project contracted by China Aerospace Construction Group Corporation or CACGC is a key driver of Kenya's national development plan, known as Kenya Vision 2030. According to the government plan, Konza Technopolis will be a world-class city, powered by a thriving information, communications and technology (ICT) sector, superior reliable infrastructure and business friendly governance systems.

Konza Technopolis, previously known as Konza Technology City, is a large technology hub planned by the Government of Kenya to be built 64 km south of its capital Nairobi on the way to the port city of Mombasa.

"Electricity is one of the key infrastructures of a modern society. Without electricity, the Konza Technopolis plan won't be fulfilled, and the nation's economic transformation won't be fulfilled," said Keter.

Zhao Xiyuan, the minister counsellor of the Chinese embassy in Nairobi, echoed Keter in his remarks by saying that power is the blood and life for manufacturing, which is one of the pillars of the Big Four Agenda advanced by President Kenyatta as the priority development tasks for the Kenyan government. A secured power supply also provides the foundation for the development of manufacturing.

Zhao said, "We have learned from our development experiences since the establishment of the People's Republic of China 70 years ago that industrialization and technological advancement are the keys to drive a country to become rich and strong. We are pleased to see that Kenyatta government is making unremitting endeavors to this end."

He also expressed that the Chinese government is continuously committed to supporting Kenya in developing technology and achieving industrialization, and will make continued efforts to contribute Chinese wisdom and strength for the development of Kenya.

Li Naihong, the vice President of CACGC, reaffirmed the commitment of completing the project on time soundly. "We will continue to do our utmost to deliver a quality project within time and budget, incorporating our company's values and the respect of Kenya's local culture and environment protection," Li said.

As a subsidiary company of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, CACGC has successfully completed the design, consultation and construction of thousands of civil and industrial projects. It has strong strategic cooperative partners in various fields at home and abroad and could take full advantage of resources at each stage in the industrial chain for delivering first-class services for domestic and overseas clients.