The Chinese-built Lamu Port on the Kenyan coast is expected to cut shipping costs to Ethiopia and South Sudan, the industry said on Monday.

Gilbert Langat, CEO of the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa, told a forum in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, that Lamu Port is closer to Ethiopia and South Sudan than Mombasa Port which is currently used for freight in transit.

“Lamu Port will also attract larger vessels, which will reduce the unit cost of transporting goods due to its deep natural harbor,” Langat said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta inaugurated in May 2021 the first quay at Lamu Port, which is part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET).

Langat said the construction of roads linking Lamu Port to major towns has reduced freight costs associated with using the port.

“The facility will also have a competitive price advantage for handling bulk products such as fertilizers, motor vehicles and petroleum products,” he revealed.

According to Langat, Lamu Port’s wide navigable entrance channel makes it a natural hub for transhipment of sea freight in East Africa. Final article