India keen on backing Lamu port project

By Athman Amran

India is interested in helping Kenya build the proposed multi-billion shillings Port of Lamu.

The development follows a visit by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka last week aimed at wooing investors.

India’s interest came through a proposal by Chief Minister of India’s wealthiest state, Gujarat, Mr Narenda Modi, to co-host with Kenya an investment conference on the development of the Lamu port.

India has also shown interest in the port’s infrastructure, which includes roads, a railway and airports in a proposed 22 billion dollars development plan.

Modi told the VP and his delegates in Ahmedabad that the State had the experience and expertise to help Kenya attract resources necessary to develop a major port.

In the first phase of the project, the Government plans to construct the first three berths with associated infrastructure at Manda Bay in Lamu.

Amenities to be built along with the berths include access roads, railway sidings, warehouses and buildings.

Kalonzo welcomed Modi’s offer, arguing the conference could help Kenya attract additional investors for the Port of Lamu alongside those who have shown interest and commitment.

Modi said for Kenya to grow quickly, emphasis should be put on infrastructure, modernised agriculture as well as value addition through agro-processing and manufacturing.