The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is seeking bids for the design and construction of three water gateways in the Lamu port. The project, which will cost USD 5.3 billion, is part of a bigger venture which will include the construction of a railway, a pipeline, an airport, a highway and a refinery. According to a report by the Ministry of Information, the project will contribute to the development of tourist hotels and stores while attracting new businesses and creating jobs for the local community.
“The bids are open to local and international firms,” said KPA MD, Mr Gichiri Ndua. He noted that a growth in cargo volumes had increased demand for services at the port. The Authority intends to handle more than 50 vessels over the next two weeks. According to Mr Ndua, the Lamu project will see such numbers rise over the course of the construction.
Lamu’s port is rivalled by the Mombasa port which serves as the main gateway into East African countries like Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda among others. The Mombasa port handled 19.9 million tonnes of cargo last year. Once the project is complete, the Lamu port should be able to handle 23 million tonnes of cargo a year.
Mr Ndua said that the new construction will reduce the country’s dependence on the Mombasa port. It will connect Lamu to countries such as Ethiopia and South Sudan. The project will also open up East Africa to foreign investment.