Posted on :Monday , 24th May 2021

Newly constructed Lamu port project has officially been opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta with the target to link Kenya to South Sudan, Ethiopia and therefore the middle belt of Africa.

Two other berths are likely to be launched before the end of the year.

The project is part of the Lappset which comprises a standard gauge railway line, Road network, Oil pipeline (Crude & product), Oil refinery (Isiolo/Lamu), International Airports (Lamu, Isiolo and Lokichogio), Port at Lamu (Manda Bay), Resort cities (Lamu, Isiolo and Lake Turkana).

The proposed port site at Manda bayat 40o 55' East and 2o 11' South was selected as it has deep and sheltered bay and a wide navigable entrance channel. Hydraulic and geotechnical surveys have established that the region is appropriate for port construction. The 10 km shore length has the capacity to accommodate up to 23 berths.

This development will comprise of the long term physical planning of Lamu Metropolis area to draw sections which will accommodate complimentary cargo handling facilities such as railway terminal, godowns, container freight stations, lorry terminals, tank farms, refinery and also the social amenities for migrant workers.

Associated infrastructures required will be the connection of Lamu to the main electricity grid from Hindi, increase of portable water supply within the region and advancement of access roads.

The facilities at Lamu port once complete will generate considerable job prospects that covers not only direct jobs associated with the Port operation but also indirect jobs of all fields such as agriculture, fishery, manufacturing, logistics, transport, trade, commerce, etc.

The port is anticipated to draw in larger cargo ships if run efficiently also will offer direct benefits within the region by passing on savings derived from lower marine costs due to faster ship turnaround time and at the same time of reducing the cost of doing business.

The new access and links with neighbouring countries created by the LAPSSET corridor will substitute regional economic development and progress through trade facilitation. This will successively cause further creation of considerable job opportunities and increased income within the area, especially on processing of agricultural products and cash-crop exports.

The alternative destinations created by development of Resort Cities in Lamu, Isiolo and Turkana are expected to extend international tourist arrivals and push up the exchange earnings.

The opening of the Northern a part of Kenya would not only pave way for exploiting the prevailing natural resources like oil and coal, but also will boost the exploration of new finds.

It is projected that the port of Lamu would draw some of the cargo which would conventionally pass through the ports of Sudan, Djibouti and Mombasa. The traffic forecast for this corridor forecasts that therein inclusive of demand from both South Sudan and Ethiopia, the Lamu traffic is likely to touch 23.9 million tons by 2030.