The Kenyan government has started marketing the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPPSET) project as a platform to enhance regional and economic integration. Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Macharia Kamau says that marketing efforts will help the project achieve its objectives.
Kamau is optimistic that the LAPPSET project will establish new markets and grow intra-African trade.
“Through such infrastructure development, new enormous markets will be established which will, in turn, grow intra-African trade that is currently at a low rate,” PS Kamau said.
Lamu Port Corridor Development Authority (LCDA) Director general Sylvestre Kasusku said that the project is already receiving growing interest from private sector parties looking to develop and operate the ports additional 29 berths. Equally on the spotlight is the Lamu Port Industrial City, which is expected to boost exports for local goods.
“It’s impressive that the world’s renowned shipping lines have visited and shown interest in the port even before the berths are commissioned. It shows they are impressed by our level of preparedness and are willing to do business with us and that’s a plus for us” Trade Mark East Africa quoted the Director General Sylvestre Kasuku.
LAPPSET’s Three Berths Complete
The Lamu port now has three complete berths, worth Ksh 48 billion. Construction of the 1.2 kilometres long and 18 metres wide second and third births started in 2016. LCAD Director-General says that construction of two container yards for the two berths will be completed shortly. However, commissioning of the berths will delay because of the pandemic.
“We want to officially announce that the construction of the second and third berths is done. We are working on the yards, and then we shall be ready to launch,” Kasuku said.
Completion of the first three berths is expected to attract private sector involvement in constructing the other 29 berths, and the Special Economic Zone already gazetted in the port.
The government also plans to construct a 483 kilometre road linking Isiolo and Lokichar as part of the LAPPSET project.
