Kenya’s grand plan to transform its coastal town of Lamu into a major Indian Ocean trade gateway has hit a wall — and it’s not just concrete.
Persistent and deadly attacks by al-Shabaab, an Islamist extremist group linked to al-Qaeda, have severely disrupted progress on the $25 billion Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project.
Despite its strategic ambition to open up Northern Kenya and boost regional trade, the megaproject remains largely stalled, with only 3 of the planned 23 berths completed at Lamu Port.
The lack of security has kept away international shipping traffic, and what was envisioned as a bustling hub has seen minimal maritime activity.
Construction has slowed to a crawl, as government contractors now work under tight military escort, with the Kenya Defence Forces deployed to secure the area.
The attacks have not only endangered workers but have also deterred investors and development partners wary of long-term instability.
The situation has cast serious doubt on the feasibility of Kenya’s ambition to rival ports like Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, raising questions about the return on massive public investment and the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies in securing critical infrastructure.
