Over the last few weeks, media has been abuzz with thenews that theLamu port has received three ultra-modern ship to shore – gantry cranes, the much-needed Super Post Panamax ship to shore (STS) gantry cranes to boost operations at Kenya’s second commercial sea port. The STS are equipped with advanced and modern technology for sea ports operations, and the cranes will enable the port to handle large cargo ships with transshipment cargo. These investments will revolutionize Lamu port operations and position it as a global maritime hub, which advances the ideals of Kenya Vision 2030 under the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) remaking a prosperous Kenya, including the North Eastern parts of the country. The Government working with the private sector, hence providing opportunities for more stable and long-term investments, is implementing a number of projects to realize the goals of the LAPSSET corridor. The Lamu port works were commissioned in 2012, the ongoing projects include the port of Lamu, Highways, oil pipelines, railway lines, international airports, resort cities, high grand waterfalls, electrical transmissions, fibre optic connectivity, full automation of cargo processing at the port, enhanced equipping of Lamu Port, development of Lamu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and regional engagement with South Sudan and Ethiopia to secure business opportunities.
It is important to note that operationalizing the Lamu port has many advantages to business one being that it provides a shorter route to the sea than Red sea and Gulf, creating a land bridge and port to other ports like in Doula Cameroon, Djibouti and Eritrea, which operationalizes reduced operational costs, and that is the reason there is increased commitment by South Sudan and Ethiopia to use the port for cargo and logistics. Secondly, once fully completed, LAPSSET corridor will open up the North-Eastern region, which covers large land mass, which is highly endowed with diverse economic activities ranging from livestock, minerals, renewable energy, tourism, and blue economy among others.
Thirdly, Lamu port is expected to increase business opportunities that are projected to come up along the LAPSSET corridor, hence creating jobs and employment opportunities. Business persons should take advantage of LAPSSET and operationalize large commercial ventures dealing with livestock and beef, mineral exploration and exploitation, renewable energy plants and associated aspects, tourism, and blue economy Fourthly, Lamu port will make the northern corridor attractive for investments and development in a region where land is relatively cheap and hence reducing the over dependence on the Southern areas of Kenya along the old meter gauge railway (MGR). fifth, it has been estimated that once complete, LAPSSET will contribute between 8-10 percent of Kenyan GDP. Dr Giti is an urban management, public – private partnerships (PPP) and environment specialist. mutegigiti@gmail.com , @danielgiti
Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti 