At its inception, the Kenya BULK Water Supply project, undertaken by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), faced a shortage of skilled local labor. To address this challenge, seven experienced Chinese workers mentored local employees, teaching them on the job to ensure quick adaptation.
This mentorship not only helped the project progress smoothly but also provided a “Chinese solution” to construction challenges abroad.
The Kenya BULK Water Supply project undertaken by CSCEC [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The BULK Water Supply project stretches for 60 kilometers across Kenya, connecting Thika Dam to the capital Nairobi, and crosses three counties: Nairobi, Kiambu and Muranga. It has become a lifeline for nearly three million residents.
The “Chinese Master Mentorship” initiative, established to overcome the shortage of skilled labor, saw seven Chinese foremen leading teams of local workers. Over the course of the project, these mentors helped over 200 local laborers develop advanced construction skills.
John Wang and his mentor Yu Chunyu [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
John, a local Kenyan worker, joined the project team in 2016. With no relevant experience, he was paired with Chinese surveyor Yu Chunyu, who gave him the Chinese name “John Wang”.
Surveying is a critical part of construction, requiring proficiency in using total stations, which was new to John. With a spirit of inquiry, John learned a lot and could soon perform a survey independently, earning his mentor’s admiration.
Thanks to his hard work on the project, John was able to renovate his family’s old home and support his sister’s studies in medicine at the University of Nairobi. Now a senior employee, he is committed to passing on his skills to other Kenyans.
The local community also warmly welcomed the Chinese project team, with villagers offering support and traditional medicine when workers fell ill. In return, the team has proactively fulfilled its social responsibilities by donating supplies to schools, repairing local roads and organizing health initiatives.
To date, the project has completed 47 kilometers of pipeline installation, with water supply testing underway. The first 17 kilometers of the line have passed quality tests and are ready for handover.
The project has become a vital link between China and Kenya and symbolizes the growing friendship between the two countries, reflecting the broader impact of the Belt and Road Initiative.
This partnership, nurtured by shared effort and mutual respect, serves as a new chapter in Sino-Kenyan relations and will remain a cherished memory for all involved in the project.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
