The Kenya Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, built by a Chinese company, has been operating safely for five years. As the largest infrastructure in Kenya since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway has gradually grown into a benchmark project for China-Africa "Belt and Road" cooperation. When Chinese companies came to Kenya, they not only left the railway there, but also brought Chinese technology and Chinese standards to the Kenyan people.
Monbasa-Nairobi Railway Driver George Cheg Mwaniki: Before joining The Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, I had no concept of locomotive operation. But now after training and education, I am an intermediate co-driver.
Judith Wangira, Head of Signal Department, Signal Department: I am the head of the signal department. Six years ago, I couldn't do this kind of repair (maintenance) work, but now I can do it very well.
SignalIng Worker Lucy Wanjoy: I work in the signals department and am a signals worker.
Julius Kirabi, brake overhauler in the engine section: I didn't know anything about locomotives before, but now I can do all the tests related to locomotive failure and safety.
Isere Oliver Heatson, locomotive overhauler in the locomotive section: I didn't know anything about locomotives before I joined The Mombasa Railway, but now I'm able to repair and maintain the locomotive's traction motors.
Mombasa-Nairobi railway staff are saying that they want to grow with mombasa railway.
Zhao Qian, a reporter from the Central Radio and Television Corporation: Walking in the locomotive section of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, young faces can be seen everywhere. They belong to different jobs and have different educational and work backgrounds, but what they have in common is that they are all technical employees trained by the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway Project. Today, the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway has been in operation for 5 years, and they have grown into the best in their respective positions.
Moussa, 31, is a senior technician at the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, who is mainly responsible for the overhaul and maintenance of locomotives. Out of his love of railways, Moussa joined the Mombasa-Nairobi railway family 6 years ago. Although he studied mechanical engineering in college, rail systems were a completely blank field for him.
Musa, Senior Technician of Mombasa Railway: When I first came to Mombasa Railway, I knew very little about railway maintenance and operation. My Chinese masters are very good to me, they are all experts, and they can teach everything they know.
With his outstanding performance, Moussa also received Chinese funding to study at Beijing Jiaotong University. His experience in Training in China has been an eye-opener and a source of benefit.
Moussa, senior technician of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway: The training content is very extensive, including theoretical training and practical training. I also went to the field to visit the high-speed rail in Wuhan. I am very grateful because this training opportunity has benefited from the friendly relations between the Chinese and Kenyan governments.
Zhao Qian: Just now Moussa told me that although this equipment inspection looks simple, it is related to the safety of the train. His Chinese master told him that the details determine success or failure, and that a carelessness can lead to serious consequences, and he still remembers this sentence to this day.
Senior Technician of Mombasa Railway Moussa: Chinese standards are very strict, so that everyone can do the work as required and avoid mistakes.
In 6 years, Moussa passed the skill level assessment and became the head of the department. Today, he can take apprentices and teach new employees the skills he learned from Chinese masters.
Moussa, Senior Technician of Mombasa Railway: The transfer of skills [from Chinese companies] is gradual and well done, which has had a profound impact on Kenya. Nowadays, we can take on daily work, which used to be carried out by Chinese employees. By creating jobs, the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway has truly changed the lives of many of my people.
Felix is the director of the engineering department of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, and when it comes to the talent training system of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, Felix feels the most deeply about the skill assessment. In his view, only by ensuring that every employee has the correct skills required for the job can the safe operation of the railway be guaranteed.
Felix, Minister of Railway Engineering in Mombasa- and Nairobi: I think the skill level assessment is a good way to test knowledge. The higher your position, the harder it is to assess because you need to take on more demanding tasks. Chinese standards are very strict, which allows everyone to work more seriously. It has been 5 years since the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway began operation and we have not had an accident. The tracks are very smooth and trains can reach the maximum speed limit. I think Chinese standards are good and safe. The knowledge I've learned here has helped my country build more rail lines, and I think my career is very promising. The Mombasa-Nairobi Railway has also created many jobs for other young people.
Zhao Qian: Thanks to the talent training system of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway Project, some technical employees of various types who have participated in the construction and operation of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway have also exerted their talents in other projects and fields in Kenya. If Kenya is the hub of East Africa, then the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway is the hub for Chinese technology and Chinese standards to enter East Africa. (Reporter Zhao Qian)
Source: CCTV News Client