Tongaren Member of Parliament Eseli Simiyu has raised concerns over the Jubilee government’s high appetite for loans and foreign aid.
Speaking on NTV’s AM Live on Tuesday, the lawmaker further raised concerns over the Standard Gauge Railway whose construction is on course, noting that the mega project might soon land the nation in problems.
The project is largely financed by the Chinese state-owned Exim Bank, with Simiyu noting that China could easily lay claim to the region covered by the railway until the railway agreement and other loans owned to the Chinese government are settled.
‘’If we do not take enough care we might end up mortgaging the nation to the Chinese. In the event that we default on any of the Chinese loans, they might lay claim on the part of the nation covered by the railway,’’ he warned.
The remarks were echoed by his fellow panelist and former Gem parliamentarian Jakoyo Midiwo who also faulted the SGR construction noting that it was overpriced, stating that the funds should have been directed towards other projects.
"Somebody is busy selling this nation. It should have been good for the conceivers of this SGR idea if they had settled on other projects. For instance, they should have extended the Thika Road to Isiolo and Nakuru to ease traffic jam in the city,’’ said the former National Assembly Minority Whip.