Emerging details indicate that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension loan was not discussed at all during President Uhuru Kenyatta's recent trip to China.
The trip was marred with expectations of another Sh368 billion loan for the purpose, thanks to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga's declaration.
However, contrary to Raila's claims days prior to the trip that it would be used to secure the loan, new Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Wu Peng' now says that there was no such discussion during the trip, which included Raila.
"I really don’t know where those expectations came from. Funding for Naivasha-Kisumu SGR was not on the agenda. The Kenya government is focused on operations of Mombasa-Nairobi SGR. This is a smart and responsible move from your government," he was quoted by the Nation.
Speaking on Monday, the envoy said that the two leaders' visit to China was purely to attend the second Belt and Road forum which was held last month.
However, he noted that China will be ready and willing to help Kenya realize the project, stating that the extension of the railroad from Naivasha to Kisumu is openly an attractive venture.
"Of course China fully respects Kenya’s opinion and decision on when to start Naivasha-Kisumu line. We believe SGR is economically viable," he said.