Racism at SGR: Following the shocking reports of racism and segregation at the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Kenya Railways has now said that it has asked for a report from the Chinese operators at the station.
The report that also appeared on Bizna Kenya shocked Kenyans after revealing the extent to which Kenyan workers at the SGR were being humiliated by Chinese. Kenyans at the station cannot eat in the same room with the Chinese, or travel in the same vehicles. It is also said that the Chinese would rather relieve themselves in the wild than share toilets with Kenyans!
Apparently, Kenya Railways asked for the report as part of an investigation to determine if the investigations carriedbout by the Sunday Standard were authentic. Here is what Kenya Railways said:
“Following the Reports that appeared in the Sunday Standard on 8th July 2018, Kenya Railways has launched investigations into alleged incidents of mistreatment of local staff employed to facilitate operations at the Standard Gauge Railway (Madaraka Express operations) being undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under an Operations & Maintenance Services Contract entered into by the Parties in May 2017.
The said reports have elicited a lot of emotions from members of the public. The outrage, anger and disappointment expressed is understandable and we share the same sentiments. This unethical conduct, if found to be authentic, is completely unacceptable.
We have instructed the Standard Gauge Railway operator – China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to submit a report within 72 hours for critical review against what is in the public domain. We have also deployed our HR Team to engage with the local staff employed by the operator in order to independently establish the authenticity of these allegations to inform further actions.
We have taken the matters very seriously and should culpability be established against any person or persons, action will be taken in accordance with the Contract between us and the Operator and in accordance with the laws of Kenya.
Kenya Railways is committed to observe the highest ethical standards possible in execution of its mandate.”
