Several multinational companies and organisations have shown interest in investing in the multibillion-shilling Lamu Port, senior Kenya Ports Authority officials have said.
Lamu Port general manager Vincent Sidai said they have already received inquiries from the USAid officials who intend to move their hub from Djibouti to Kenya.
He said it is cheaper to operate from Lamu to distribute food aid to Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other East and Central African regions.
Last week, Lamu Port received its first bulk cargo vessel loaded with foodstuff for World Food Programme meant for distribution in Northeastern.
“Already, we have received a number of inquiries from different companies and organisations, including USAid, who are now planning to come to Lamu in big numbers. They also intend to move their hub from Djibiuti to Lamu,” Sidai said.
The Lamu Port general manager said USAid officials also aim to not only bring already packed food but also bulk food, which will be repackaged in Lamu.
He said they expect bigger vessels, noting that they have received inquiries from people who want to ship in edible oil, bulk food and metal.
Sidai said the Ethiopian government has also shown interest in using the Port of Lamu to import its fertilisers.
He said that a population of more than 100 million people in Ethiopia means they will create big business for the Lamu Port.
Last’s week vessel was the 44th to dock at the Lamu Port since its operationalisation by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in May 2021.
More than 450 trucks were loaded at the port to transport the imported food.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy said Lamu is gradually developing and termed the port a huge blessing as it had already created job opportunities for many residents.
He said that was just the beginning and called on residents to maintain security and report any suspicious characters to the relevant authorities.
Through that, he said, security will be paramount and more investors will be attracted to invest in Lamu county.
Timamy, who was speaking at a fundraiser for the Mijikenda community in Tangini village in Witu, said together they have been looking for investors to come to the county.
“It's difficult to employ everyone in government, and the only way out is to get investors to come and invest,” he said.
“My condition is that any investor should ensure a big percentage of the workers comes from Lamu.”
His administration is preparing a data bank of all graduates from various fields, such that any investor coming will be able to be given any professional required in the job.
Lamu East MP Ruweida Mohamed said she was happy to see the fruits of the port after seeing so many trucks on the road carrying cargo from the Lamu port.
She said the port authorities have also involved the leadership in providing jobs to the locals, particularly Lamu East, which has long been sidelined.
“We have drivers, loaders and these lorries require fuel, so there is a big chain that has benefitted, including food for the workers. We pray to God to enable the port to get many ships,” she said.
The MP also called on the residents to begin investing in key projects, such as accommodation, hotels, restaurants instead of waiting for outsiders to come and set up those investments to benefit from the port.
