Shock as Container Carrying Computers Donated by Chinese Gov’t to Kenya Parliament Arrives in Nairobi Empty

Detectives from Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have opened investigations into the circumstances under which container carrying electronic equipment to Kenyan Parliament from China arrived in Nairobi empty.

Parliament officials were shocked to find out that the container was empty when they opened it upon arrival in the capital on Wednesday.

National Assembly Clerk Michael Sialai confirmed that the container carrying laptops and computer projectors donated by the Chinese government to the Kenyan parliament was found empty after seals were opened. 

Sialai said the Chinese Embassy in Kenya contracted a company identified as M/S Bollore Africa Transport & Logistics Ltd to deliver the consignment to parliament.

“Indeed a container arrived at Parliament Square on July 30, 2019, whence I appointed some officers from the National Assembly to confirm the delivery as per the correspondence from the consignee (Chinese Embassy),” Sialai said in a statement.

“Upon opening of the container seals, the container was confirmed to have been empty. Both the agent and our officers brought this matter to my attention and I made a decision that the DCI officers attached to the Parliament Road Police Station be informed of this development, which was done promptly.”

“While we remain grateful to our guest from the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi for the planned donation, the National Assembly wishes to clarify that the matter is now in the hands of the consignee and their logistics partner,” added Sialai.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi expressed shock as they confirmed that the container from Beijing arrived without the donated goods.

“Over the years the Chinese side has made friendly donations to Kenyan brothers and sisters, including medical apparatus, office equipment, food aid etc and they have all been delivered safe and sound,” the statement noted.