This archive report was first published on 30 December 2021.
On May 20, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta inaugurated Lamu Port, Kenya's second commercial seaport, marking a significant milestone in the country's economic development.
The port, which has been operational for over a year, has raised hopes of creating jobs and opportunities in the remote northern frontier county.
Container ships MV Cap Carmel and MV Seago Bremer Haven deployed by Maersk Line made their maiden visits to coincide with the inauguration of the first berth of the port, which is expected to have a total of 32 berths.
With a depth of 18 metres compared to 12.5 metres for Mombasa Port, Lamu Port is expected to attract bigger ships and enjoy economies of scale.
Each berth at Lamu Port measures up to 400 metres long with ample yard space surrounded by large tracts of land, giving it room for expansion of port-related infrastructure.
Despite slow growth, Lamu Port has kept hopes alive that it will eventually bring much-needed economic opportunities and open up northern Kenya for development.
The three berths were constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) at a cost of Sh40 billion.
The port is being positioned as a trans-shipment hub targeting the Ethiopian and South Sudanese markets and smaller ports in the region.
However, the port has received only eight ships from its inauguration to November 30, 2021, with KPA principal public relations officer Hajj Masemo attributing the slow growth to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We also know that the port came at a time when the global economies are struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has adversely affected the shipping sector globally," said Mr Masemo.
Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) chief executive officer Dennis Ombok argued that the port would have to wait for roads to be complete and security beefed up before it starts registering growth.
