By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, July 21, 2026 - Kenya is intensifying efforts to transform the Port of Lamu into a major regional maritime and logistics hub, with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) seeking to attract more international shipping lines, increase cargo volumes and position the multi-billion-shilling facility as a gateway for trade across Eastern and Central Africa.
The renewed push comes as Lamu Port continues to register steady growth in vessel traffic and cargo handling, signalling a gradual shift from being viewed as an underutilised infrastructure project to an emerging strategic asset within the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.
According to KPA, the strategy now extends beyond increasing cargo throughput to building long-term partnerships with global ports, investors and shipping companies that can support the port's expansion through technology transfer, automation, logistics innovation and improved operational efficiency.
The latest drive follows high-level engagements between KPA and a delegation from China's Nanjing Port, one of the world's largest inland ports, which explored opportunities for cooperation in smart port technologies, digital transformation, cargo visibility systems and operational best practices.
Although Lamu Port was conceived more than a decade ago as the anchor project of the LAPSSET Corridor, commercial activity has accelerated significantly over the past year.
Industry data shows the port has continued attracting larger vessels, including the MV Baltimore Express, the largest ship ever to dock at any port in East and Central Africa, demonstrating the facility's ability to accommodate ultra-large container vessels that cannot easily access many regional ports.
The arrival of increasingly larger ships has strengthened confidence among international shipping companies that Lamu can complement Mombasa by handling deep-sea cargo and serving landlocked markets including Ethiopia and South Sudan.
KPA officials say the port's naturally deep harbour, modern berths and proximity to major international shipping lanes provide significant competitive advantages as global trade routes continue evolving.
The Authority's renewed investment campaign comes amid growing competition among East African ports to capture a larger share of regional cargo.
Ports in Tanzania, Djibouti and Somalia have all invested heavily in expanding capacity as countries seek to benefit from rising intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
For Kenya, strengthening Lamu is also viewed as a strategic move to diversify the country's maritime capacity beyond Mombasa while enhancing resilience against disruptions affecting global shipping routes.
Recent geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf region demonstrated how quickly shipping patterns can shift, with some cargo temporarily rerouted through Lamu as international shipping companies searched for alternative logistics corridors.
More from Kenya
Despite the positive momentum, analysts argue that the port's long-term success will depend on completing supporting infrastructure along the LAPSSET Corridor.
Road, rail and pipeline connections linking Lamu to northern Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan remain critical if the port is to realise its full commercial potential.
Without efficient inland transport networks, logistics costs remain higher than anticipated, limiting the port's competitiveness despite its modern facilities.
KPA has nevertheless continued investing in specialised marine equipment to improve operational efficiency.
Among the latest additions is MV PATE, a high-capacity tugboat acquired to support vessel manoeuvring and docking operations at Lamu Port, reducing dependence on equipment deployed from Mombasa and enhancing turnaround times.
Beyond cargo handling, Lamu Port is expected to stimulate investment across logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, transport services, fisheries and industrial development along Kenya's northern corridor.
Government planners view the facility as a catalyst for broader regional integration by improving access to international markets for neighbouring countries while supporting Kenya's ambitions of becoming East Africa's preferred logistics gateway.
As KPA intensifies marketing efforts and deepens partnerships with international ports and shipping lines, the focus now shifts from building infrastructure to generating sustainable commercial activity that can unlock the full economic potential of one of Africa's largest maritime investments.