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President Ruto announces new agreements to boost regional trade, create jobs, and invest in infrastructure in Lamu and Tana River
The Port of Lamu is about to get busier after Kenya reached agreements with neighboring countries to use it as a key regional shipping hub. President William Ruto announced that Kenya and Ethiopia have agreed to use the Lamu Port for transporting imported goods to inland areas.
Speaking during the launch of the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project on Ndau Island in Lamu East, the President said this move will create jobs and boost the local economy. He also mentioned that he will soon host leaders from nearby countries at the port to strengthen regional trade partnerships.
The Lamu Port, Kenya’s second largest after Mombasa, is a major part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, a project that has been in development since 2012. President Ruto confirmed that the first three modern berths at the port are now complete and ready for use. He encouraged Kenyans, especially those in the Coast region, to take advantage of this facility for their import and export needs.
To support local communities affected by the port’s construction, the government has set aside KSh1.7 billion to compensate displaced fisherfolk. This is meant to help them recover from any economic losses they may have suffered due to the project.
During the event, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and Tana River Governor Godhana Dhadho were present, along with other leaders who expressed their support for the port’s development. The President assured the residents that the government is committed to ensuring that the economic benefits of the port reach the local communities.
Later, the President launched the 468-unit Mokowe Affordable Housing Project in Lamu West, saying it will provide job opportunities for young people while addressing the housing shortage in the region. The government’s affordable housing initiative aims to create thousands of jobs in construction while making homeownership more accessible to Kenyans.
He also announced that the government will connect 7,000 households in Lamu County to electricity at a cost of KSh600 million within this financial year. This will improve living standards and boost economic activities. Increased access to electricity will also support businesses and encourage new investments in the region.
In Tana River County, President Ruto commissioned the Bura Gravity Canal, an irrigation project that will expand farmland from 6,000 to 25,000 acres. He emphasized that the government is prioritizing agriculture to enhance food security and reduce hunger. He noted that 70 percent of the project’s funding came from the government because of its importance in ensuring the country can produce enough food.
He added that investing in agriculture will create wealth for farmers, reduce dependence on costly imports, and ease pressure on Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves. Farmers in the region will now have better access to water for irrigation, which will lead to increased food production and improved livelihoods.
Throughout his visit, the President emphasized the need for unity and discouraged tribal politics, saying every region in Kenya deserves equal development. He assured residents that past practices of neglecting certain areas are over and that all Kenyans should feel included in the country’s progress.
He urged Lamu residents and all Kenyans to reject leaders who promote division based on ethnicity, saying that such politicians have no real vision for the country’s future. He stressed that development should be based on national unity and inclusivity.
“We will not allow people who have no plan, vision, or agenda for the country to derail us with negative ethnicity and useless politics that divide the nation,” he said. “We must stay united. We are one people and one nation with a common destiny.”
With the Lamu Port set to play a bigger role in regional trade, and with investments in housing, electricity, and agriculture, the government is making significant strides in boosting economic growth and development. The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, MPs, and MCAs, highlighting the national importance of these projects. Lamu is now positioned to become a key hub for commerce and development, benefiting both local residents and the broader region.
As the LAPSSET Corridor continues to take shape, experts believe it will enhance Kenya’s connectivity with neighboring countries, open up new trade routes, and attract more investors. Local businesses are also expected to benefit as transport and logistics improve, making the region more attractive for commercial activities. The government has assured citizens that more investments in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture will follow to ensure long-term economic growth.