Lamu Port and Lamu-Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor
Insecurity and political instability in Kenya are mostly to blame, as is the consideration of more commercially viable alternative pipeline options through Tanzania or Ethiopia.
Key towns in the project are Lamu and Isiolo in Kenya, Juba in South Sudan and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
The High Grand Falls will be used to create a manmade lake at its dam with a view to controlling perennial flooding within the lower Tana Basin.
Of great significance is the rich agricultural value chain, spanning over ten different economic crops whose implementation has begun with the establishment of mega irrigation schemes.
Kenya is spearheading the development of the LAPSSET Corridor to strengthen the country's position as a gateway and a transport and logistics hub to the East African sub-region and the Great Lakes region to facilitate trade, promote regional economic integration and interconnectivity between African countries.
In March 2013, the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority (LCDA) was established through the Presidential Order Kenya Gazette Supplement No.
[17] A director general heads the 11 member board that includes five state officials, private sector representatives and a chairman appointed by the president.
The LCDA is headed by Mr. Silvester Kasuku, MBS, CMILT, Director General/ Chief Executive Officer and Amb, Dr. Francis Muthaura, EGH, chairman of the Board of the Authority.
The Lamu port construction project is currently being funded by the Government of Kenya using domestic tax revenue.
[20] The seven key infrastructure project components of the LAPSSET Corridor Program require substantial amounts of resources with a budget estimate of US$24.5 billion, equivalent to KSh.2 trillion/= at current exchange rates in construction costs.
From bids requested by the Kenyan Government, the first phase of the port will include 3 deepwater berths with a capability of handling ships with a deadweight capacity of up to 100,000 tonnes.
[21] LAPSSET road projects will run from Lamu to Isiolo and onwards to Juba and Addis Ababa through Moyale.
Construction of the Marsabit – Turbi road, also part of LAPSSET, commenced 29 August 2011, with an expected delivery date of 4 April 2014.
[25][needs update] Significant progress has been made on this highway component, particularly the 505 km Isiolo-Moyale A2 Road costing approximately KSh.46 billion/= and being funded jointly by the African Development Bank, European Union and the Government of Kenya.
The construction works for this section has progressed to 47.4% having commenced in April 2011 and is being funded by the African Development Bank and is expected to be completed by March 2014.
Construction works for the fourth section, the Turbi – Moyale Road, have progressed to 11.5% completion, having commenced in October 2012 for a period of 36 months.
[citation needed] In addition to the above, the governments of Kenya and South Sudan working together with the World Bank, recently completed feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs for the Lokichar – Nadapal – Torit – Juba Road.
Construction was originally expected to begin by end of 2013 once feasibility studies contracted to German company ILF were complete.
[needs update] The government has embarked on improving facilities at the three airports to provide for air travel services in the interim to enhance accessibility to the corridor.
Preparations are at an advanced stage towards the construction of a parallel taxiway and aircraft apron area to improve capacity of the airport.
][citation needed] The three proposed resort cities at Lamu, Isiolo and Lokichogio on the shores of Lake Turkana are estimated to cost $1.2 billion.
In 2012, the Isiolo County Council was asked to set 2,600 ha (6,500 acres) of land aside for establishment of the resort city.
The plans include rules on land usage and guidance on private sector and local community involvement.
The area also boasts a wide variety of plants and animals, including the big five, leading to it also being known as the Jewel in the crown.
[26] In January 2012, 32 councillors led by chairman Adan Ali and Town Clerk Morris Ogolla and legislators, professionals, women group leaders were briefed by government officials on the importance of the resort city.
[citation needed] The Kenyan government has prioritised the provision of appropriate infrastructural service aimed at supporting the massive investments planned for the LAPSSET Corridor.
In addition to the ongoing physical works along the LAPSSET Corridor, the Kenyan government has commenced a comprehensive plan for the provision of social infrastructure and services.
As an early delivery strategy, the Ministries of Energy and Petroleum as well as Transport and Infrastructure have adopted an integrated approach for the development of the crude oil pipeline and the road from Lamu-Lokichar.
The civil society organisation "Save Lamu" has raised concerns regarding insufficient involvement of local communities, as well as land right and negative environmental impacts.
[32][33] Pastoralists are furthermore threatened by a disruption of seasonal grazing routes caused by the construction of the highway that is part of the LAPSSET project.
