All set for the launch of Chinese-built Lamu Port

Kenya's Lamu Port constructed by the China Communications Construction Company is set to start operations on Thursday, when the first ship is expected to dock.

Two Maersk shipping line vessels, namely Cap-Carmel and Mv Seago Bremerhaven, are expected to dock at the completed Berth one of the port, in an event that will be attended by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In a press statement on Wednesday, Lilian Nyawanda, the commissioner for customs and border control at the Kenya Revenue Authority, said strategies to enhance trade facilitation and fast-track cargo clearance at the new Lamu Port had been finalized.

She said the authority's office in Lamu had been equipped with the necessary infrastructure including connectivity to access all the customs, Kenya Trade Network Agency and Kenya Ports Authority systems.

Nyawanda added that a team of experienced officers had been deployed at the Lamu Port to clear the two Maersk shipping line vessels.

Additionally, the Kenya Revenue Authority has put in place elaborate risk management measures to discourage illicit trade through the new port. This is expected to ensure that only legitimate trade is facilitated through the facility.

To facilitate safe evacuation of transit cargo to Ethiopia and South Sudan, she said geo-fencing of the twin corridors of the Lamu–Garsen–Witu–Hola–Garrissa–Modika–Modogashe–Isiolo-Moyale and Lamu–Garsen–Witu–Hola–Garissa–Thika–Isiolo–Moyale had been completed.

Similarly, Lamu-Mombasa corridor has been geo-fenced to facilitate transshipment cargo.

"These corridors are important arteries that will link the Northern Corridor to South Sudan," Nyawanda said.

She said the authority is committed to ensure that cargo clearance is undertaken in a swift, efficient and professional manner, in order to reduce the cost of doing business. This is anticipated to promote the economic development of the country.

Lamu Port, whose construction commenced in December 2016, is one of the flagship infrastructure projects identified by the government in Kenya Vision 2030.

The port is also a flagship project in the Lamu Port South and Ethiopia Transport corridor, linking Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Upon completion, Lamu Port is expected to have 32 deep sea berths. So far, construction of three berths is complete.

The first three berths were fully financed by the Kenyan government and the remaining berths are expected to be financed by private sector investor.