Kenya Ports Authority Invests $31 Million in State-of-the-Art Cranes for Lamu Port
By Tobby Otum
The Lamu port is poised to become a key driver of economic growth and regional integration.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the impressive statistics underscore the vital role that the Lamu port plays in facilitating trade and driving growth in the region.
He added this is as a result of its container capacity of 1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) across its three berths of 4000 meters each.
“The Lamu facility is poised to become a key driver of economic growth and regional integration, ” he pointed out.
Captain Ruto disclosed last year the county facility handled 37,576 metric tons [MT] of cargo marking a substantial increase from 6,539 MT in 2022.
He was speaking during the reception of three state–of–the–art super post Panamax ship to shore (STS) gantry cranes at the Lamu port in Lamu county.
The KPA MD revealed the gantry cranes were procured at the tune of USD 31,493,808 adding that this underscores the state corporation’s commitment in managing the premier ports.
Captain Ruto said these included both the Mombasa and Lamu ports which serve as vital gateways for regional and international trade.
He added both facilities are also connecting the country to the global economy.
“The procurement of the equipment which is waiting the commissioning ceremony is specifically designed to address the unique challenges posed by Lamu conditions,” he said.