Hurdles in the way of Lapsset in Lamu finally addressed

The government has ironed out thorny issues that were threatening to slow down development of the Sh2.5 trillion Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) project.

The project officials met leaders from Lamu led by Governor Fahim Twaha who had earlier disagreed in solving the issues affecting residents.

Among the issues dealt with were payment of Sh272 million which the Lappset project owes the Lamu County as land rates and cess, compensation of land owners and fishermen, employment opportunities to locals and education scholarships. Last month, the Lamu leaders stormed out of a meeting that was to deliberate on land acquisition for the project.

The meeting ended prematurely after Governor Fahim Twaha, MPs Stanley Muthama (Lamu West), Athman Sharif (Lamu East), Lamu Woman Rep Ruweida Obbo and MCAs stormed out citing failure by the national government to listen and address the grievances of the locals on the project.

On Tuesday, speaking during a press briefing at Voyager Beach Hotel in Mombasa, Lapsset board of directors’ chairman Titus Ibui together with all the leaders said they had agreed on the way forward.

Mr Ibui said all the affected families will be compensated and the 600 students who are yet to get scholarship will soon benefit.

“Some 400 people have already been trained. We have agreed that they will be absorbed to work in Lapsset or the port. In January the Kenya Port Authority will therefore take in 100 trainees for them to start working,” said Mr Ibui who was also accompanied by Lands Chief Administrative Secretary Gideon Mung’aro and National Land Commission acting chairperson Abigael Mbagaya.

Mr Mung’aro said they agreed with the county leadership to list all the affected families set for the compensation.