The China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has halted operations at the Lamu Port-Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (Lapsset) project, sending home 2,000 casual laborers following al Shabaab attacks in Lamu county. The suspension affects key components of the $25 billion infrastructure initiative, including port construction and highway development.
Security upgrades at coastal hotels include increased police presence, though the recent violence has raised alarms. The group's attack on a U.S. military site at Manda Bay Airfield disrupted regional operations, prompting contractors to pause work on projects like the Lamu port's first three berths, which are 70% complete.
CCCC cited safety risks in a directive to staff, stating, "The situation in Lamu County is still very serious. To ensure the personal safety of all employees, we have to suspend all works and close the site." The company plans to resume operations once conditions improve, with officials confirming ongoing security assessments.
Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia emphasized efforts to contain the threat, stating, "Lamu is now safe. We have deployed enough security agencies... and urged the local to remain alert." The Lapsset project, launched in 2012, previously faced disruptions in 2017 when contractors halted work amid similar security concerns.
