Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta temporarily suspend Phase II of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Joho empathised with Kenyans, saying they have huge debts to pay due to the country's heavy borrowing and that borrowing more funds again for the Nairobi-Naivasha Phase II of SGR is a burden to them.
According to the governor, the project can temporarily be suspended for five years despite Kenyatta's efforts to leave a legacy when he retires.
"If it is burdensome, let us stop it for a while. Relook at it probably after five years. While Mr Kenyatta is keen on leaving a good legacy and I support it, he must do the right thing. Too much external borrowing and failure to service the loans will eventually hurt Kenyans," said Joho.
During an interview with Mombasa's Pilipili FM, he said Uhuru should leave a legacy in a manner that resonates with the current situation of the 'mwananchi'.
Kenya was expected to sign a Sh380 billion contract for the second phase of the Standard Gauge Railway in September 2018, run by China Road and Bridges Corporation (CRBC).
Governor Joho also advised the government to stop launching new projects but rather channel funds to projects that will benefit Kenyans.
“Let us first cut down launching of new projects and instead complete the existing ones. Let us put money where mwananchi’s lives will be transformed," Joho said on Monday.
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