Coast

LAPSSET boost as Lamu Port earmarked to handle Ethiopia's fertiliser cargo

The delegation from the Ethiopian Maritime Authority during a meeting with the LAPSSET project in Lamu County. (Photo: LAPSSET)

By Farhiya Hussein | Friday, March 8, 2024

Meeting delved into the the imminent shipment of fertiliser cargo destined for Ethiopia, which is set to transit through the Lamu Port.

A delegation from the Ethiopian Maritime Authority recently visited Lamu County which marked a pivotal moment, solidifying the establishment of joint coordination and monitoring mechanisms for the Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.

This project aims to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth across the region.

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The discussions, held at Lamu Governor Issa Timamy's office in Mokowe, delved into various aspects of the LAPSSET project.

Of particular focus was the imminent shipment of fertiliser cargo destined for Ethiopia, which is set to transit through Lamu Port.

This underscores the strategic importance of Lamu as a crucial node in facilitating regional trade and commerce.

Leading the delegation was the LAPSSET leadership, led by Chairman Ali Mbogo, CEO Stephen Ikua, Lamu Port General Manager Eng Vincent Sidai of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), and LAPSSET Regional Manager Salim Bunu.

The delegation from the Ethiopian Maritime Authority during a meeting with the LAPSSET project in Lamu County. (Photo: LAPSSET)

Their presence highlighted the collective commitment to realising the full potential of the LAPSSET Corridor.

County support

Chairman Ali reaffirmed LAPSSET's unwavering support for Lamu County's economic development, acknowledging the transformative impact that the project holds for the region.

“As LAPSSET, we assured the delegation of his full support towards the realisation of the project, recognising its potential as an economic game-changer for Lamu County,” he said.

Governor Issa echoed his sentiment, assuring the delegation of his full support towards the realisation of LAPSSET's objectives.

He pledged to allocate land within the county for the establishment of Ethiopia's logistics hub, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

The visit to Lamu comes on the heels of a Joint Technical Committee meeting convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aimed at operationalising the Port of Lamu.

During that meeting, the Kenya Ports Authority team, led by GM Sidai, identified key opportunities and obstacles hindering the full utilisation of the LAPSSET transport corridor.

Discussions centred around infrastructure development, customs protocols, and the need for harmonisation of logistical processes to streamline operations along the corridor.

“The completion of infrastructure to support the logistics chains within the region including roads, full equipping of the Port of Lamu, harmonisation of axle loads, customs protocols, and systems, as well as the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, are among the key issues that were discussed,” he noted.