Kenya Ports Authority has launched a 30-year Ksh360 billion Master Plan aimed at transforming shipping and logistics in major ports, lake ports, small coastal ports, and inland container depots. KPA managing director Daniel Manduku said that the total investment of $3.6 billion will feature $2.1 billion for Lamu and $1.5 billion for Mombasa.
Mr. Manduku said that there will be modernization and expansion of existing infrastructure such as the construction of new berths at the Mombasa port.
He, however, lauded the growth of Lamu port through the construction of new berths for general cargo, liquid bulk, and dry bulk. He expects the Lamu port to have a capacity of 76 million tons by the year 2047 citing that the first three berths shall be ready by October this year. Lamu port will serve Northern Kenya, Southern Ethiopia, and South Sudan Transport Corridor
“In 2018, KPA cargo grew to 1.3 million 20-foot Total Equivalent Units (TEUs) and we are looking to handle 2.9 million TEUs by 2027, 5.5 million TEUs in 2037, and 9.8 million TEUs in 2047,” Mr. Manduku added.
In the Master Plan, KPA says it will take on the development of Dongo Kundu as a Special Economic Zone while Kisumu port will enhance regional and local trade on Lake Victoria.
KPA cargo handling abilities have improved following the operationalization of SGR leading to increased traffic to the Inland Container Depot in Nairobi (ICDN). ICDN currently handles 450000 containers annually and KPA recommends the facility’s capacity be increased to handle up to one million TEUs annually.
Mr. Manduku said that under the strategic plan, other ICDs will be set up near major economic and logistics centers and national borders a move that would see an increase in volumes ferries by the SGR. Currently, SGR is projected to handle 732,000 TEUs in 2022, 909,000 TEUs in 2027, 1.33 million TEUs in 2037, and 2.30 million TEUs in 2047.
Speaking at the launch, Transport cabinet secretary James Macharia said the 2018-2047 strategic plan would position the port of Mombasa among leading seaports globally.
