Ruto promises release of Sh20bn for ongoing Lapsset project

What you need to know:

The Sh1.5 trillion project comprises a 32-berth port, transport hubs for railway, highways and international airports in Lamu, Isiolo and Lodwar.
An oil pipeline, a refinery and three resort cities are planned in Isiolo, Lamu and Turkana. Construction of the first three berths, to cost the government Sh42 billion, is yet to be commissioned.
The Lamu corridor project is expected to open up Kenya’s northern frontier for more trade and investment.

The government is set to release Sh20 billion for the ongoing construction of the new Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) corridor project at Kililana in Lamu West according to Deputy President William Ruto.

The money is an addition to the Sh15 billion already spent on Lapsset so far.

Mr Ruto said the government will continue to implement Lapsset and other projects including the Sh200 billion Kitui coal plant and support the Sh21 billion Wind Power project.

The Lamu corridor project is expected to open up Kenya’s northern frontier for more trade and investment. Mr Ruto termed the Lapsset crucial since it is bound to change the course of Lamu’s economy and that of the region.

“Last year the government released Sh5 billion for Lapsset. This year Sh10 billion was issued for the same,’’ the DP said.

“We are also planning to release an additional Sh20 billion in funding for the Lapsset project. It will provide employment to both Lamu locals and citizens from various parts of the country.”

The Sh1.5 trillion project comprises a 32-berth port, transport hubs for railway, highways and international airports in Lamu, Isiolo and Lodwar. An oil pipeline, a refinery and three resort cities are planned in Isiolo, Lamu and Turkana. Construction of the first three berths, to cost the government Sh42 billion, is yet to be commissioned.

So far construction of the Lapsset headquarters, which cost Sh866 million, and a police station are complete.

READ: Lapsset to benefit from multi-billion dollar infrastructure fund

Mr Ruto made the announcement in Mpeketoni as he wrapped up a one-week tour of Lamu where he assured residents that the Jubilee administration was doing its best to ensure that mega projects in the county are implemented on time.

He also assured Lamu residents that they will be given first priority in employment and advised parents to educate their children “in preparation for the Lapsset jobs”.

Mr Ruto also announced that Sh7.1 billion had been released for construction of the 135 kilometre Lamu-Garsen Highway which has been in a bad state for over 50 years.

The road will ease transport and open up the county for more tourism, trade and investment opportunities.

A further Sh100 million will be used to fund the lighting of 6,000 households in Faza Island, he added.