Kenya has solidified agreements with neighbouring countries to position the Port of Lamu as a crucial regional transshipment hub.
President William Ruto confirmed that Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has agreed to use Lamu Port for transporting imported goods to its interior.
“We have reached an agreement with the Government of Ethiopia to start utilizing Lamu Port. This will create jobs and boost the economic growth of our region,” Ruto said.
The President made these remarks during the launch of the Kenya-Off Grid Solar Access Projects at Ndau Island, located in Lamu East Constituency, Lamu County, on Thursday.
Ruto also revealed that he plans to host regional leaders at Lamu Port soon.
The port is Kenya’s second-largest, following Mombasa, and is a key component of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, a project that has been under development since 2012.
He further announced that the first three modern berths at Lamu Port are now completed and operational.
Additionally, the government has allocated KSh1.7 billion to compensate fishermen displaced by the port’s construction.
