Kenya Launches Giant Port Construction Project

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto were joined by Lamu leaders on August 1, to witness the signing of the contracts between Kenya Ports Authority and China Communication Construction Company for the construction of the first three berths of Lamu Port.

“The commencement of this project reinforces government’s resolve to make infrastructure a key facilitator of our social and economic development,” said Kenyatta.

“The signing of this contract is a major milestone in delivering the LAPSSET Corridor Program as well as achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030. The construction of the first three berths will present a strong case and trigger for participation of the private sector in construction of the remaining 29 berths and other components of the corridor,” he added.

Under the plans, the port will be able to handle some 24 million tonnes of cargo a year from giant container ships, as well as provide infrastructure to support oil discoveries made in Kenya’s arid north.

[mappress]

August 4, 2014