Kenya's Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir revealed plans to secure additional private capital for the expansion of Lamu Port, positioning it as a critical node in the LAPSSET corridor. The announcement coincided with the upcoming commissioning of the Ksh 2.2 trillion East African Oil Refinery, set to be launched by President William Ruto. Chirchir emphasized that the new master plan would extend beyond the LAPSSET project, encompassing the broader Lamu metropolis. 'We’re excited as Kenyans' as the Dangote refinery's groundwork begins, he stated, highlighting the strategic importance of integrating regional trade routes. The Lamu Port, which operationalized its first berth in 2021, has seen significant growth, handling 799,161 metric tonnes of cargo by December 2023, compared to 74,380 tonnes at the dry port in 2024. Kenya Ports Authority data showed 55,687 TEUs in container traffic over the past year. Chirchir outlined plans to construct six additional berths, with three on each side of the port to accommodate crude oil imports and refined product exports. 'These are only three parts. Behind me will be another six parts,' he said, detailing the maritime infrastructure. The Dangote refinery, expected to process 700,000 barrels of oil daily, is projected to meet local demand and fuel regional exports, with an investment of $15–17 billion. The government also announced plans to rebuild Manda Airstrip to handle larger aircraft, following a recent refurbishment. This aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the LAPSSET corridor, which includes a crude oil pipeline from South Sudan through Lokichar and another from the port to Ethiopia via Isiolo and Moyale. The refinery's groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Ruto and Dangote Group CEO Aliko Dangote, marks a pivotal step in Kenya's vision for the region. Chirchir underscored the project's role in accelerating economic development, stating, 'The plans are fully put in place, and we are excited as Kenyans.' The initiatives underscore Kenya's commitment to transforming Lamu into a logistics and energy hub, with implications for regional trade and employment. The LAPSSET corridor, a multibillion-dollar project, aims to connect East African economies, while the refinery's scale highlights Kenya's growing influence in the oil sector. As the port expands, stakeholders anticipate increased cargo throughput and enhanced connectivity, positioning Lamu as a gateway for East African commerce. The government's focus on public-private partnerships reflects its strategy to drive infrastructure development without overreliance on state funding.
KBC - State working on new master plan for Lamu Port
Kenya Unveils New Master Plan to Expand Lamu Port as Regional Logistics Hub
Kenya's government is advancing a new master plan to expand Lamu Port as a regional logistics hub, leveraging private investment alongside the upcoming Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery. The initiative, announced ahead of the refinery's groundbreaking, aims to enhance the LAPSSET corridor's infrastructure and economic reach.