Economist David Ndii on Wednesday sharply differed with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Kamau Macharia over Nairobi’s appetite for foreign loans for infrastructural development.
Kenya had heavily relied on Beijing to fund historic Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa, which risks stalling at Naivasha after President Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly failed to secure Sh368 billion from China for Naivasha-Ikonge-Sondu-Kisumu line.
Earlier, Ambassador Kamau had faulted activist Jerotich Sii, daughter to veteran politician Tabitha Sii on financing of infrastructure by foreign countries, arguing that Kenya cannot do without loans.
“Can you imagine what her ilk would have said at the turn of the 19th Century? Kilindini Harbour and the “lunatic express” being built on loans as it was. It’s a wonder we are still not slaves!! Where do they find these nincompoops? Where would kenya be without the loans and rail?” Kamau fired at Sii.
But in a rejoinder, Ndii faulted Jubilee government over her appetite for foreign loans. He insisted that the old Railway line was built using British taxpayers money and purposely for military operations.