The Chinese government has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the treatment of Kenyan workers at the Standard Gauge Railway.
Speaking on Friday, the Chinese ambassador Sun Baohong acknowledged there was a conflict between the Kenyan workers and their Chinese counterparts due to culture and language barrier.
“It's Kenyan and we are helping construct and empower Kenyans to operate the system. Requires a lot of safety thus the comprehensive training within and in China which comes with discipline,” she said.
"There were complaints of little communication from Chinese to Kenyans alongside isolated eating areas. It will take time for them to socialize and fully engage with one another because of cultural differences,” she added.
She said the images portraying Kenyans as being punished was misinterpreted.
"It is little punishment and part of team building which all Chinese including me do. Maybe, if it is found to be offensive to Kenyans then the company can change to another mode of exercise," Sun insisted.
Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the economic value of the railway and the general treatment of Kenyan workers. The Chinese have been accused of racism while dealing with Kenyan workers.