State shrugs off opposition, gives Lamu Port green light

By Steve Mkawale

The Government has finally given the construction of the Lamu Port a green light. The State also breathed new life into the Second Transport Corridor -which has been pending since it was first mooted 36 years ago - clearing it for construction.

The project, dubbed the ‘Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia (LAPSSET) Transport Corridor will cost the Government a whopping Sh1.8 trillion.

In what appeared to be a rushed decision, President Mwai Kibaki yesterday directed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the first berth of the Lamu Port be organised “soonest possible”.

“To expedite implementation of the this project, I direct all ministries with the role in the Lamu Port and the corridor projects to ensure their respective components are taken forward to the next level,” he said.

“Ground breaking for the construction of the first berth in Lamu should be arranged soonest possible,” the Head of State directed.

Kibaki further directed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta to mobilise resources and set aside funds to kick start construction of the first of the three berths.

“I look forward to commissioning the first ship docking at the Lamu Port next year,” said the President amid applause from Cabinet ministers, MPs and Government officials who attended the LAPSSET Project forum at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi yesterday.

 

Feasibility studies

The project that would cost Sh1.87 trillion was first mooted in 1975, but took a back seat as Government officials’ engaged in boardroom talks and a number of feasibility studies.

It is the first project of its kind in Africa comprising seven major economic components; namely port, railway line, highway, crude oil pipeline, oil refinery, and airport. The project will see to the establishment of three resort cities in Lamu, Isiolo and in areas around Lake Turkana.

But the Government made it clear it would only fund the initial stages of the project, before engaging the Governments of South Sudan and Ethiopia for subsequent stages.

Once complete the transport corridor will address transport challenges facing the Northern and Eastern part of the country, besides serving South Sudan and Ethiopia. It will also stimulate new businesses and trade, agriculture, new settlements, employment and other socio-economic activities in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who also attended the forum, challenged Lamu residents to embrace the project. He cited the tension in Lamu over the project, but reminded residents that the importance of the port supersedes that of individuals.