"According to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), bed occupancy has increased to more that 90 percent up from 50 percent in previous years, a factor largely attributed to Madaraka Express," he said.

Speaking during the same event, Guo Ce, the economic and commercial counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Kenya, congratulated the team involved in the operation of the SGR for their contribution to the success of the project as well as strengthening China-Kenya friendship.

"The SGR team of 3,000 Kenyan and 800 Chinese professionals and workers has demonstrated their professionalism and the sense of social responsibility. Their great efforts have earned the recognition of the Kenyan people," he said.

Guo said SGR was only one example of fast growing China-Kenya cooperation noting that the bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries has accelerated from the traditional trade and construction to manufacturing and investment, over the years.

"More and more Chinese companies have increased their investment and fulfilled their social responsibility. This is highly consistent with 'Big Four' Agenda proposed by President Kenyatta," he said.