Transforming Lamu Port into a Regional Maritime Powerhouse
Lamu Port Berth 1, 2, 3. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Andrew Mwangura
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Lamu Port, a cornerstone of Kenya’s ambitious LAPSSET (Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport) Corridor project, stands at a strategic juncture.
With its deep-water capabilities and position along vital international trade routes, Lamu has the potential to emerge as the best port in the region—on par with Africa’s exemplary hubs like Port Djibouti and Morocco’s Tanger Med.
But potential alone is not enough. Strategic reforms, investment, and visionary leadership are needed to propel Lamu into a regional maritime powerhouse.
Under the management of the current Kenya Ports Authority managing director Captain William Ruto, there is renewed optimism that the port will be transformed into a major player in regional logistics.
Capt. Ruto’s leadership, which emphasizes modernization, efficiency, and regional integration, is a critical asset in turning vision into reality.
The foundation of a world-class port lies in its infrastructure. Tanger Med, for example, invested heavily in modern berths, expansive container yards, and state-of-the-art logistics parks.
Lamu must follow suit—not just in expanding its berths and container handling capacity but also in building integrated logistics zones and warehousing facilities that attract global logistics companies.
Improved hinterland connectivity is also vital. The road and rail links connecting Lamu to inland destinations must be fast-tracked to ensure smooth cargo evacuation and encourage regional uptake, particularly from Ethiopia and South Sudan.
The success of Tanger Med is largely tied to the surrounding Tanger Med Zones, which host over 1,100 companies in manufacturing, logistics, and services. Lamu must create Special Economic Zones with incentives like tax breaks, fast-track licensing, and reliable utilities to attract foreign direct investment and encourage industrial clustering.
This will anchor long-term cargo demand and transform the port from a transit point into a production hub.
In an age of automation, a paper-driven port is a dying port. Lamu should leapfrog legacy systems and adopt a smart-port model—digitising operations to reduce turnaround time, customs clearance delays, and human interference.
Port Djibouti, for instance, has implemented integrated IT systems for vessel traffic management, cargo handling, and inland logistics, which significantly enhance efficiency and transparency.
A digital Lamu would not only reduce costs for shippers but also boost its attractiveness compared to congested alternatives like Mombasa or Dar es Salaam.
A great port is not just a physical asset—it’s a regional enabler. Djibouti’s strength lies in its symbiotic relationship with landlocked Ethiopia.
Kenya must double down on diplomacy and infrastructure financing to ensure its northern neighbors are fully invested in using Lamu as their primary outlet.
Bilateral trade agreements, simplified customs protocols, and coordinated logistics frameworks are essential to making this work. Equally important is sustained political will at home.
Frequent policy shifts, corruption, and lack of coordination between national and county governments will stall progress. A dedicated Lamu Port Authority, empowered to act swiftly and independently, could offer the consistent oversight necessary to drive growth.
The future of maritime logistics is green. Lamu can set itself apart by adopting sustainable practices early—introducing shore power for docked vessels, investing in renewable energy, and enforcing high environmental standards.
Such a move would not only safeguard the region’s fragile ecosystem but also align Lamu with global ESG expectations, attracting responsible investors and shipping lines.
Lamu must also shed its low profile. A targeted global campaign to court shipping lines, logistics giants, and manufacturing firms is necessary. Offering competitive port fees, reliable service, and operational incentives can tip the scales.
The Kenyan government, in coordination with the Kenya Ports Authority, should take Lamu to international logistics expos, forums, and trade missions.
Vision, Action, and Tenacity
Lamu Port’s destiny is not sealed by geography—it will be determined by policy, planning, and partnership. By drawing on the lessons of Djibouti and Tanger Med, and tailoring them to East Africa’s needs, Kenya can create a high-performing, economically transformative port.
With Capt. Ruto at the helm of the KP and the right blend of vision and execution, Lamu is well-positioned to rise and become the crown jewel of African ports.
The writer is a maritime analyst specializing in maritime governance and blue economy development.
