State working on new master plan for Lamu Port

The Kenyan government is actively developing a comprehensive master plan for the expansion and improvement of the Port of Lamu, aiming to make it a prominent regional logistics hub. This initiative coincides with the upcoming commissioning of a Ksh 2.2 trillion East African Oil Refinery by President William Ruto. The government is focusing on attracting additional private investments to accelerate the development of the LAPSSET corridor, following Dangote Group's commitment to fund the construction of the new refinery.

Speaking at the event, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir expressed the government's excitement as the groundbreaking for the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery takes place. Chirchir highlighted the government's intention to rebuild Manda Airstrip, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft. Currently, the first berth under the project is operational, with two more completed, while the port has handled 799,161 metric tonnes of cargo as of December last year, compared to 74,380 metric tonnes recorded by the dry port in 2024.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) reported a container traffic of 55,687 TEUs during the same period. Plans are underway to construct six additional berths at the facility, which will be built in the sea, enabling ships to dock on both sides. The new refinery is expected to process around 700,000 barrels of oil per day, catering to both local and external markets.

An investment of 15 to 17 billion dollars is anticipated, with the processed products destined for export. The LAPSSET project also includes a crude oil pipeline from South Sudan through the Lokichar Oil Field and another pipeline from the port to Ethiopia via Isiolo and Moyale. The groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery will take place today, with Heads of State, including President William Ruto and Dangote Group CEO Aliko Dangote, in attendance.