Project that will transform the northern frontier

Construction of a modern sea port in Lamu will greatly ease the congestion in Kilindini, but it is the transport corridor connecting the new port to South Sudan and Ethiopia that will change Kenya’s economic prospects

The ground-breaking ceremony last week to launch the construction of Lamu Port and Kenya’s second transport corridor presented investors with numerous opportunities. While many rejoiced in the prospects of the mammoth project, few paused to think about the implications of this initiative — first mooted 36 years ago — to the local communities, the republic and its neighbours.

To the government, the project, under the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport Project (LAPSSET) and a Vision 2030 flagship programme, will foster the dynamic promotion of the northern, eastern, north-eastern and the coastal parts of the country.

Beyond that, the LAPSSET project will also “provide linkage between Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia”. Read more: Daily Nation, March 07, 2012