Mombasa, Lamu port open to all investors, says Murkomen

Concession of some assets of Mombasa and Lamu ports is open to local, regional and international investors, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.

Murkomen said the government is undertaking concession of the ports through a Public Private Partnership to improve efficiency.

This is despite strong opposition from coastal leaders.

He said KPA will remain a government-owned asset, but private companies will be allowed to develop and run several berths.

 “We have made it clear that the government is not in the business of selling KPA to a private investor. It remains an asset owned by Kenya, but at the same time attracting private investors to come and develop our various berths," Murkomen said.

He spoke in Mombasa on Tuesday during the launch of KPA’s five-year strategic plan 2023/2023- 2027/2028.

The strategic plan has outlined concrete actions that align with the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda objectives of job creation and cost of living.

Murkomen said Kenya needs to do better since its Tanzania counterpart is also investing in the Port of Dar Es Salaam.

“We will not sleep because we want to attract foreign investment. What we should do now is to make it as open as possible for Kenyans, regional investors and international investors. Whether it is in a Special Economic Zone or in some berths,” he said.

Already, there are investors at the port who are dealing in oil, grain handling and other commodities.

The CS said the current process will enhance private investments to achieve more.

Murkomen urged Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and coast parliamentarians to join the open discussions about the port.

He said the current administration in the only government committed to work with the county government on matters the port, which will benefit coast residents the most.

 “The PPP we want to undertake in Mombasa and Lamu are not boardroom decisions made by two or three people. We want Kenyans, especially from coast region to be part of the conversation and attract private investors,” he said.

Murkomen said KPA strategic plan 2023/2024 to 2027/2028, outlines a road map for efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability of the port.

This, as it ensures that Kenya remains at the forefront of economic growth.

He said the government is cognisant of the fact that the cost of goods and services directly impacts the daily lives of Kenyans.

Murkomen said through strategic investments and partnerships, KPA aims to streamline port operations, reduce logistical costs and improve the overall efficiency of cargo handling.

He said the authority is expected to play a key role in job creation through support of the development of the Lamu and Dongo Kundu special economic zones.

“These measures will undoubtedly contribute to the affordability of tangible commodities making a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow citizens,” Murkomen said.

Murkomen said KPA will enter into agreements with stakeholders such as Kenya Railways Corporation and truckers’ associations to deliver cargo to customers' premises

“We want to ensure that customers have their goods delivered at their doorsteps. They don't have to come to Mombasa to pick them," he said.

Murkomen said KPA will also work on tech advancement to improve overall service delivery and port services in Lamu to attract global investors.

“After spending billions of shillings, we don’t want to see the facility as a facility for people to come and take selfies, we want to see the Lamu port fully operationalised and taking cargo to South Sudan and Ethiopia," he said.

The CS said the government is committed to construct the road from Lamu to Ijara and the road from Garisa to Isiolo by 2027.

“We recently hosted the transport minister from Ethiopia in Lamu, and I am surprised that Ethiopia themselves are eager to see Lamu function. So, there is business,” he said.