𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚, 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐮 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐛

Lamu Port is set for increased activity following a significant agreement between Kenya and Ethiopia, positioning it as a key regional transshipment hub. President William Ruto announced on today that Ethiopia has committed to using Lamu Port for its imports, a move expected to boost trade, create jobs, and strengthen the region’s economy. He emphasized that this agreement aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy to enhance the port’s role in regional logistics and commerce.

As Kenya’s second-largest port after Mombasa, Lamu is a central component of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, which has been under development since 2012. To further solidify its regional importance, President Ruto revealed plans to host regional leaders at the port in the near future. The first three modern berths at Lamu Port are now complete and ready for use, marking a critical step in its operational readiness.

To address the impact of port expansion on local communities, the government has allocated Ksh.1.7 billion to compensate fisherfolk displaced by construction. In addition to port development, President Ruto launched the 468-unit Mokowe Affordable Housing Project in Lamu West Constituency, which is expected to generate employment opportunities for young people while improving housing infrastructure in the area.

Further investments in infrastructure are also underway, with the government committing Ksh.600 million to connect 7,000 households in Lamu County to electricity this financial year. Meanwhile, in Tana River County, President Ruto commissioned the Bura Gravity Canal, which will expand irrigation from 6,000 to 25,000 acres. He highlighted that 70% of the funding for the project came from the government, underscoring agriculture’s critical role in securing food supply, creating wealth for farmers, and reducing dependency on costly imports.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable development, President Ruto declared that past discriminatory resource allocation practices are over. He urged Kenyans to reject divisive politics, warning against leaders who exploit ethnic divisions for personal gain. Stressing the importance of national unity, he called on citizens to remain focused on collective progress, reinforcing his vision of Kenya as one united nation working toward shared prosperity.