Lapsset gamechanger project a pipe dream as key projects stall

The once-touted Lapsset transformative and gamechanger project is fast becoming a pipe dream as key infrastructure projects remain incomplete or yet to be started.

When complete, Lapsset would be Kenya’s second transport corridor and would open up the neglected Northeastern region.

However, failure to build key roads that are part of the project have delayed the implementation of the mandate of the Lapsset Authority.

This has emerged in Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s report on the project, whose full name is the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport corridor.

“The construction of key highways is either not completed or is yet to start, including the Lamu-ljara-Garissa-Isiolo and Isiolo-Maralal-Lokori-Lokichar highways,” the report for the year ended June 2024 says.

The Auditor General found that while the first three berths at the port of Lamu have been completed, cargo evacuation through the project's intended route is facing serious challenges.

In the circumstances, the Auditor General said, delayed implementation of Lapsset corridor projects denies the public benefits that could have accrued from completed projects.

The project that was intended to connect the Horn of Africa region was launched in March 2012 by then President Mwai Kibaki, Ethiopia PM Meles Zenawi and South Sudan President Salva Kiir.

The grand initiative comprises the Lamu port, which is done, road and rail networks, airports in Lamu, Isiolo and Lake Turkana, resort cities and a 700-megawatt high grand falls dam on the Tana River to address energy needs. 

The highways and railway should connect Lamu, Isiolo, Juba, and Addis Ababa, while the railway would link Lamu, Juba and Addis Ababa.

The development of resort cities in Lamu, Isiolo and Lake Turkana seeks to boost tourism in the areas.

According to the authority, the main Lapsset Corridor roads include the Lamu Port access road (10km), Lamu-Witu Garsen road (113km), Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo road (530km), Isiolo-Moyale-Hawassa road (505km) and the Isiolo- Lokichar-Nadapal-Torit-Juba Road (700km).

The report also raised issue with the lack of clarity on the responsibilities of the different stakeholders of the Corridor.

“The budgetary allocation for the infrastructural projects was provided to the respective implementing agencies,” the report said.

“For instance, for all roads and highways, the allocation was given to the Kenya National Highways Authority, while port construction funds were given to the Kenya Ports Authority, among others.”

No arrangements or agreements existed on who would control facilities erected on the authority's land, it added.

“In the circumstances, the effectiveness of internal controls on management of the facilities could not be confirmed”.

Other than funding challenges, security has also derailed the road construction works due to attacks by terror group al Shabaab.

For instance, al Shabaab launched an attack on January 17, 2023, when a convoy carrying workers escorted by military personnel was attacked, killing six. The attack happened at the Algeis Malhadhon Adam area near Bodhai police camp.

Three vehicles were damaged after being hit by explosives.

On January 11 the same year, four road engineers were killed when their vehicle was blown up by an explosive fired by the militants.

The workers were inspecting the road project when they came under attack in Bura East subcounty.

On December 21, three people, including two police officers, were killed between the Hayley Lapsset Camp and Garissa in similar attacks.

On December 30, the terrorists set an explosive device on the road in Mlima Faru, Lamu, which killed one soldier and injured five others when their vehicle ran over it.

The persistent attacks have forced Chinese contractors to abandon the site.

This also comes at a time when the government is planning to dissolve the Lapsset Authority as part of a larger plan to restructure government agencies.

The Cabinet approved the dissolution of nine corporations whose functions can be absorbed by their respective parent ministries. 

The Lapsset Authority’s responsibilities will be integrated into the relevant government ministries.