Kenya Railways is looking to hire a PR firm to improve the image of the state-owned system.

kenya railwaysAccording to an RFP, Kenya Railways "has experienced negative publicity damaging its reputation following various issues including; decline in services offered, retirement related cases, and housing."

The railroad this month received criticized from local cement producers over Kenya Railways' $4B infrastructure project, the largest transportation investment in Kenya since it received independence from the UK in 1963.

China Rail & Bridge Corp, the lead contractor on the project to link Nairobi to Mombasa, east Africa's biggest port, was hit by charges that it imports cement from China rather than using local suppliers, as promised.

Kenya Railways wants PR support to create and maintain "a good public image, reputation" and "effective communication to cultivate good relations with its stakeholders as it implements its mandates," according to the RFP, which can be accessed at http://bit.ly/1HEAoOJ.

President Obama visits Kenya this week.