Deputy President William Ruto revealed Friday in Kakamega why the government was using Chinese contractors over local ones.
Lashing out at a contractor who was lagging on a road project and ordering his replacement, the country's second-in-command said the laziness and dishonesty of some of the local contractors was one of the reasons the government was deploying Chinese expertise.
"We have Kenyan contractors but they are lazy, they use short cuts, they engage in dishonesty. They are putting us to shame. So if you see us bringing a Chinese contractor, it is not our fault. We want the road to be finished because that is what Kenyans want," DP Ruto said.
His words come in the context of a backlash against alleged Chinese racism after an expose by a local mainstream publication.
Here is what the residents of Garissa had to say about Ruto's revelations:
"I support what the DP said. We hand contractors who are honest," Fayed Jamal says.
"Most local contractors are dishonest. They are also very lazy. At least the Chinese do a good job,'' Garba Jumre says.
"'It's not only the Chinese who can do the job honestly. We have honest local contractors," Haida Sahib says.
"This sends a strong message that dishonesty and laziness will not be tolerated," Rubo Ahed says.