Ethiopia and South Sudan have commended Kenya for the successful delivery of Ship to Shore Gantry Cranes at the Port of Lamu, a development crucial for operationalizing the port’s first three berths. Regional leaders such as South Sudan’s Transport Minister Madut Biar Yel and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang, as well as Ethiopia’s Transport Minister Dhenge Boru and other officials, have congratulated Kenya on this achievement.

The Port of Lamu is expected to enhance connectivity within Africa and facilitate cross-border trade among partner states of the LAPSSET Corridor, benefiting South Sudan, Ethiopia, and potentially Chad. The port’s strategic location aims to provide access to the Indian Ocean for landlocked countries, particularly South Sudan and Ethiopia, which currently rely on the Port of Mombasa. Kenya’s efforts to extend trade links to South Sudan and Chad, as well as Ethiopia’s interest in shifting to Lamu due to challenges at Djibouti’s port, underscore the significance of Lamu as a key maritime hub in the region. Additionally, Kenya’s Mombasa Port serves several other neighboring countries, further emphasizing its regional importance in facilitating trade and connectivity.