Several Chinese firms have been facing severe backlash in Kenya over corrupt practices and discrimination against the locals, says a report.

One such company is M/s China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). It was awarded the contract of constructing the Western Ring Road Project in Kenya but has been facing backlash on social media for its corrupt practices and discrimination against Kenyans.

About 107 Chinese firms are reportedly operating in Kenya. China owns around 72 per cent of Kenya’s total external debt of USD50 million.

The China-funded expressway project is facing flak for its high cost. Also for the US dollar denominated high toll charges.

Amid the continued depreciation of the local currency and the rising inflation, the amount of toll paid by the Kenyans would be much higher than the initial estimate, reports the Hong Kong Post.

The CBRC is expected to earn USD977 million as dividends and other incomes from the mega road. According to media reports, some 4,000 young and mature trees have been cut down to make way for the expressway.

The CRBC had been found involved in corrupt practices in other countries as well and the company had been ‘debarred’ by the World Bank in 2009 for engaging in corrupt practices in the Philippines###