Kenya asks for Lamu bids

The Kenyan government has now put out an international tender for construction of Lamu port. Proponents say that since the Port of Mombasa is almost at capacity, a second port is well overdue.

However, whereas Mombasa port will continue to serve the traditional Uganda, Rwanda and DRC, Lamu is to handle more northerly cargo bound for Southern Sudan and Ethiopia. Further, the option of linking these places to Lamu Port by a 1,500 kilometre rail line is also being considered – although some cynics point out that a number of expensive ‘studies’ never materialise as actual projects. Nevertheless, it looks like the port is going ahead.

The government tender states that the first three berths should accommodate ships with capacities of 100,000 dwt, 30,000 dwt and 100,000 dwt for container cargo, general cargo and bulk cargo respectively. Further on the tender notes that the bidders should be able to dredge to 18.5m as well.

Construction of associated infrastructure such as access roads, railway sidings, warehouses, buildings and other structures are also attached to the tender, which closes on 15 October.