By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
Kenya, 8 July 2026 - Kenya is stepping up efforts to position itself as the commercial gateway to the Horn of Africa, with the government reaffirming that deeper regional economic integration is key to unlocking growth, attracting investment and promoting long-term peace and stability.
Speaking after a meeting with the technical team of the Horn of Africa Initiative on Wednesday, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said trade remains one of the strongest foundations of shared prosperity. He reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to strengthening economic ties with Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea through improved infrastructure, trade facilitation and closer policy coordination.
The meeting reviewed progress in advancing regional trade and investment while setting priorities ahead of the Horn of Africa Trade Ministers' Meeting, scheduled for September 2–3, 2026, in Ethiopia.
Kinyanjui said unlocking the full potential of intra-regional commerce will require sustained investment in transport infrastructure, efficient logistics networks and modern border management systems.
"The full potential of intra-regional trade can only be realised through modern transport networks, efficient logistics systems and streamlined trade facilitation measures that reduce delays at border crossings," he said.
Central to that strategy is the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, one of East Africa's most ambitious infrastructure projects. The corridor is designed to improve connectivity between Kenya, Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa by lowering transport costs, expanding market access and creating alternative trade routes.
The development is also enhancing the strategic importance of Lamu Port, which is increasingly emerging as a preferred transshipment hub as global supply chains evolve.
"Lamu is increasingly positioning itself as a preferred transshipment hub, reinforcing Kenya's role as a strategic logistics and investment gateway to the continent," Kinyanjui noted.
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Growing private sector interest reflects confidence in the region's economic prospects. Among the proposed investments is the Dangote Group's plan to establish an oil refinery in Lamu, a project expected to strengthen Kenya's downstream petroleum industry, create jobs and support industrialisation along the Coast.
Beyond infrastructure, Kinyanjui said policy reforms will be critical to accelerating regional commerce. He called on the upcoming ministerial meeting to deliver practical measures that eliminate non-tariff barriers, improve border efficiency, harmonise trade procedures and strengthen regional value chains.
Deeper value chain integration would allow countries to specialise in different stages of production while facilitating the movement of intermediate goods across borders.
"This, in turn, could boost manufacturing, create employment and reduce dependence on imports from outside the continent," he added.
Kenya's strategy also complements the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to expand intra-African trade through a single continental market. Better transport links, efficient customs systems and coordinated trade policies are expected to enhance the region's competitiveness and attract greater foreign direct investment.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam, while the Horn of Africa Initiative delegation was led by Friederike Hemker, Head of Development Cooperation for Sudan.