President Kenyatta Heads to China to Secure Sh380 Billion SGR Loan

President Kenyatta is set to lead a delegation of Kenyan government officials to China next month.

The Daily Nation reports that the aim of the trip will be to secure a multi-billion-shilling loan for the construction of phase 2B of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

The loan, estimated to be Sh380 billion, will be used to fund the construction of the railway line between Naivasha and Kisumu.

Kenyatta's trip to the Asian country follows an agreement with Uganda President Yoweri Museveni for extension of SGR to Kampala.

The Daily Nation reports that Kenyatta and his delegation will jet out of the country within the first two weeks of April.

Transport Principal Secretary Esther Koimett and acting Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Maingi have reportedly been holding discussions with Chinese officials regarding the loan.

This will be the second time Kenyatta is heading to Beijing to negotiate the loan after a failed attempt last year.

China is reported to have declined to approve the loan after concerns over the viability of the railway line. 

Beijing wanted a deal for the extension of SGR to Kampala is struck first before agreeing to fund the Naivasha-Kisumu stretch.