KPA Invests Sh. 2.7bn to Upgrade Equipment at Lamu Port
In a move aimed at increasing capacity and improving operational efficiency at the Lamu sea port, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is investing Sh2.7 billion in a massive handling equipment upgrade at the Lamu sea port.
LAPSSET is a crucial Kenya Vision 2030 flagship project and is expected to transform regional economies through increased trade, integration and inter-connectivity spanning South Sudan, landlocked Ethiopia and beyond.
In a statement, KPA said the multi-billion-shilling investment programme at the Lapsset corridor seeks to improve the efficiency of port operations.
KPA is procuring a range of new equipment to better handle the increase in general and containerized cargo at the country’s second commercial seaport after the Port of Mombasa.
The marine equipment set for acquisition includes three mobile cranes, three ship-to-shore gantry cranes (STS), three rubber tyred gantry cranes and four terminal tractors.
The top-of-the range port equipment aims to continuously welcome large vessels, reduce the waiting time of ships in port, speed of operations and increase productivity.
KPA General Manager for Operations, Sudi Mwasinago, says the new equipment is expected to enhance the productivity and safety of port operations and reduce vessel turnaround times at the Lamu port.
Mwasinago said these acquisitions aim to ensure a sustainable and reliable service and continuously improve customer satisfaction, as well as increase handling capacity of container traffic.
“We expect the new equipment will help us improve our operational efficiency, productivity and meet the surging demand from clients,” he said.
