By Magdalene Mukami
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – A group of Chinese railway workers was attacked by Masai warriors on Tuesday in the latest sign of anti-Chinese sentiment in Kenya, where Chinese firms have been awarded contracts worth billions of dollars.
The 14 workers on the $3.8 billion Mombasa-Nairobi rail project were attacked by around 150 armed youths at Duka Moja, around 140 kilometers (87 miles) west of the capital Nairobi, local teacher Ole Segei told Anadolu Agency.
The China Road and Bridge Corporation staff were taken to hospital for treatment, a police source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media. Photographs seen by Anadolu Agency also showed the staff being treated in hospital.
The company has previously been targeted by unemployed Kenyans complaining it has failed to provide job opportunities for locals.
Last month, police were called to disperse an angry crowd demonstrating on the railway line demanding jobs. In October 2014, more than 300 youths blocked major roads around Voi, southern Kenya, in protest at the lack of jobs provided by Chinese companies.
Among the numerous projects awarded to Chinese companies in Kenya has been the Thika superhighway, built for $27 billion and completed in 2012.
