Additional ports to extend reach

THE CONSTRUCTION of the first three berths at Kenya’s second international seaport of Lamu is due to be completed in 2020, to serve three countries in the east African region, offering Kenya a gateway to landlocked states of South Sudan and Ethiopia, a port official said. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) head of corporate affairs, Bernard Osero, said the second port, currently under construction by China Communications Construction Company, will provide the nation with its second port, expected to become the second largest in the region. The Lamu Port is part of Kenya’s Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (Lapsset) project. The project aims to connect the region with modern transport infrastructure, including the seaport, an oil refinery and resort cities on a busy transport corridor serving the three countries. “It would also provide direct benefits within the region by passing on savings derived from lower marine costs due to faster ship turnaround. This will at the same time reduce the cost of doing business.” Osero said. KPA entered an agreement with the Chinese firm for $478.9 million (R6.74 billion) in August 2014 for the construction of the three berths out of the 29 berths expected to be built at the Lamu Port. “The execution process of plans to put up the Lapsset project which will soon see the birth of Kenya’s second largest commercial port is ongoing,” Osero said. – Xinhua