The new Lamu Port project in Kenya, is set to improve several economies in Africa. Ethiopia and South Sudan has lauded Kenya following the successful delivery of the Ship to Shore Gantry Cranes at the Port of Lamu.

Recently the arrival of ship equipment is crucial for the operalisation of the Port of Lamu’s first three berths with the two neighbouring countries positioned to immensely benefit.

Among the regional leaders that have congratulated Kenya on the achievement include South Sudan’s Transport Minister Madut Biar Yel and his Petroleum counterpart Puot Kang.

Others, according to a communique by the Kenya Ports Authority is Ethiopia’s Transport Minister Dhenge Boru, Ethiopia Maritime Authority Director General Mr. Ato Mekonen and Mr. Kawaja Kau Madol, South Sudan’s Press Secretary office of Vice President Taban Deng Gai.

Others who have applauded Kenya are Dr Stephen Karinge, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and Robert Tama Lisinge, the Director of the Regional Integration and Trade Division.

The Port of Lamu is expected to soon commence full operations following investment from the government in a move that is expected to improve on the country’s maritime business.

The Port is a crucial towards facilitating the land-locked countries of South Sudan and Ethiopia with a link to the Indian Ocean. The two countries have an estimated 130 million population.

South Sudan use the Port of Mombasa for its access to the sea but their have been negotiations towards switching to Lamu with further talk of an oil pipeline linking Juba to the Kenyan port, amid security challenges in Sudan. The Kenyan government recently opened talks on extending the trade link from Lamu to South Sudan and Chad.

Ethiopia meanwhile, are keen to switch to Lamu following challenges accessing Djibouti’s port via reported security concerns at the Red Sea.