15^th February 2021

NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat led by the Chief Executive Amb. Dr. Samori A. Okwiya undertook a monitoring and evaluation of the Lamu Port in Lamu.

The CEO was accompanied by African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and Governance Director, Mr. Peter Kimemia; Deputy Director, Mr. Erick Kiilu, and Communications Manager, Frankline Kaburu.

The tour exercise of the Lamu Port was meant to establish the status of the construction of the Port as well as complement the ongoing collaborative efforts by various stakeholders to realize its success. The port will enhance trade and integration in Eastern Africa and beyond thus supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which desires to create a single continent-wide market for goods and services, and promote the movement of capital and natural persons within the footprint countries.

CEO Amb. Dr. Samori Okwiya (second right) being briefed by LCDA Regional Manager Mr. Salim Bunu (second left) on the progress of construction of LAMU Port. Looking on are officers from NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat.

At the time of the tour, implementation of the port’s first, second, and third berths was complete Berths’ two and three container yards were under construction; 86% completion rate.

The LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority (LCDA) regional manager, Mr. Salim Bunu remarked that plans are ongoing to operationalize the port. He added that there are continuing efforts in overseeing the successful completion of the Isiolo-Garissa-Lamu road to facilitate the evacuation of cargo from the port.

In his remarks, the CEO, NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat, Amb Dr. Samori Okwiya affirmed his support for the LAPSSET program especially on segments that will enhance multilateral trade and cooperation between member countries as well as initiatives that will facilitate an institutional framework for coordination between member states in the implementation of the port.

Ongoing works at container yard for berth 2.