President Uhuru Kenyatta, during a recent visit to the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) project in Mombasa County, was witnessed the slow pace of construction of one of the phases.
Daily Nation of September 28, reported that “President Kenyatta was unimpressed by the progress of the infrastructure outside the port, especially the roads meant to link it with the hinterland.”
“No workers were on-site on the day of the president’s visit. The President wasn’t happy with the progress of the Hindi Road,” a source told the local daily.
President Kenyatta lashed out at the contractors of the Malindi-Lamu Road.
In their defence, they claimed insecurity in the area had contained the progress of the construction.
However, the president dismissed it as an excuse citing permanent military installation in the area.
His concerns came as the first berth of the new Lamu Port is expected to be opened in October.
The project has proved to be important in the region drawing interest from neighbouring leaders.
Launched in 2012, the Ksh2.4 trillion Lapsset project comprises link roads from Kenya to Ethiopia, a pipeline to Kenya’s northern region, an international airport in Isiolo Town and a seaport in Lamu.
During President Uhuru’s visit to Singapore, which runs one of the busiest ports in the world, mentioned his intention to collaborate with the country in establishing Kenya as the region’s hub.
