Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to consider putting on hold the planned construction of the SGR Phase Two from Naivasha to Kisumu.
Speaking on a Pili Pili FM radio interview on Tuesday, Joho decried the high levels of external debt and the effect they had on lives of ordinary citizens.
He was addressing the raging debate over President Kenyatta's proposal of 8 percent VAT on all petroleum products.
Kenya was expected to sign a Sh380 billion contract with China for SGR Phase 2B in September, with the entire SGR expected to cost Sh800 billion by the time of completion.
"If it is burdensome, let us stop it for a while, relook at it probably after five years," he stated.
Joho further advised Uhuru to be considerate of Kenyans even as he looks to implement his 'Big 4' agenda to cement his legacy in his last term.
"Leave legacy in a manner that resonates with the current situation of the mwananchi .
"Let us first cut down launching of new projects and instead complete the existing ones. Let us put money where mwananchi's lives will be transformed," he proposed.
According to the government's plane, phase 2B will start at the planned Naivasha Industrial Park where Phase 2A ends.
It will pass through Narok, Bomet, Kericho counties and terminate in Kisumu where the they plan to establish a modern inland port.
