Kenya: The delegates of the 2024 County Enterprise Development Conference which was held in Lamu County, visited the Port of Lamu on June 26, 2024 to familiarize themselves with their potential ahead of the conference which began on June 27, 2024.
Reportedly, the theme of the conference was “Unveiling Opportunities: Redefining Northern Kenya as an Investable Destination.” The theme highlights the transformative shifts in Northern Kenya, historically characterized by limited infrastructure along with arid landscapes and socio-economic disparities.
As per the sources, during their visit to what they termed as crucial to their transformative journey, the delegates have unanimously agreed that the Lamu port would serve as a catalyst to open investment in the region.
The bustling corridor connected by the port is poised to significantly enhance the Northern Kenya’s connectivity and economic potential.
Notably, the delegates were led by Governors of Garissa and Lamu County. Their excellencies Nadhif Jama and Issa Timamy respectively were received by Eng. Vincent Sidai who is the General Manager of Lamu Port.
The 23 berth Port of Lamu is located in the Manda Bay. The port is the anchor project of the LAPSSET Corridor Program. Set to be one of the largest ports in Africa, the Lamu Port is able to handle some of the largest ships in the world with Post-Suezmax vessels and were being able to call the port.
Additionally, the plans are under consideration to operate the Lamu Port privately with the Government of Kenya as the landlord. This envisions an efficiently run port that will be competitive in the region thereby by bringing even more opportunities to Eastern Africa.
The Port of Lamu stands as a magnificent project, that is created as the first component of the Corridor and has set a great pace in increasing the connectivity through its world class qualities.
However, the port is set to have 23 berths, which are strategically placed to open up hinterlands and Africa at large to the western world. The port also has a large turning bay of 500 meters, that provides an adequate space for large ships to dock.
So far, 45 ships have been docked at its shores and can accommodate upto 1.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEUs) in it’s full capacity.
