Lapsset project gets Sh190m grant

Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) corridor project has received a grant of Sh197.5 million.

The grant is from the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF).

The grant was signed by Lapsset Corridor Development Authority (LCDA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

NEPAD-IPPF supports African countries, through grants to develop infrastructure.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement, LCDA Director General Silvester Kasuku the partnership will boost the implementation of the Lamu port project.

He said Kenya is at the forefront of regional transformation and through the Lamu port project.

He said the move will strengthen investments and business in the region and boost regional integration as envisioned by the African Union Commission.

“We don’t want a case of a stalled project. The Lapsset is one mega project that must run smoothly and stay on course and that can only happen with adequate funding,” said Mr Kasuku.

AfDB Regional Director Gabriel Negetu said the bank is focusing on five priority areas crucial for accelerating Africa’s transformation.

He said the areas are Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa and to Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa.

“Africa needs to accelerate growth and structured transformation in order to take the bulk of the population into employment. Critical to the attainment of this structural transformation is regional integration. In order to promote regional integration, investments in both hard and physical infrastructure along with Institutional strengthening remains paramount,” he said.