Working in the bushes in Northeast Kenya’s Garissa on a hot summer day, Hao Chaoshan is a post-sales engineer at Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) for rotary drilling rig XR400, which is being used to build a large irrigation project in the African country.

Hao came into contact with such advanced machinery after graduation in 2009 and took positions in workshop first and then post-sales at XCMG. With the help of trainers, he has sharpened his knowledge and skills, becoming one of the best in his team to look after these massive drilling devices.

Rotary drilling rig developed by the leading Chinese machinery manufacturer has enjoyed a high market reputation and become one of the company’s flagship products. XR400 is the largest rotary drilling rig currently in service in East Africa. The sophisticated device has been widely used in building Kenya's iconic Nairobi expressway, Makupa Bridge in Mombas and other projects, where Hao has all worked.

Already in Africa for more than 1000 days, Hao said he was a bit down several months ago but he then felt excited and proud to see the opening of the Chinese-built expressway that links the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Nairobi's central business district. The landmark made him “to feel full of energy again at once.”

The expressway, the first toll road in Kenya, has greatly eased traffic congestion and provided  many jobs for locals. The expressway’s design, construction and opening have also reflected the resolve to jointly promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Kenya is the thirteenth country Hao has visited. He said that the investment and construction of BRI projects follow the principles of mutually beneficial, win-win cooperation, and in pursuing the common development, the people of both countries have also deepened their connection and understanding of building a community of common destiny for mankind.

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