A barge with first batch of equipment to be used at the multi-billion Lamu Port left Mombasa Port over the weekend ahead of the port's commissioning in June.
Assorted equipment ranging from low load trailers, extension cargo handlers, trailers and other cargo handling equipment were loaded from berth number 20 and they are expected in Lamu on Tuesday.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) assistant training and equipment operations officer in charge of Lamu Port Ernest Mbalanya said the second batch of equipment will leave Port of Mombasa on May 15 for assembling ready for the opening of the port.
"The first consignment involves more of movable vehicles and transporting trailers but the second cargo to be evacuated will be grant cranes which will be the last to be installed before the first ship docks early June," said Mr Mbalanya.
He added, "Already adequate staff have been posted to ensure the port operates fully."
Some of equipment expected to be evacuated in the coming weeks to be used in berth number one include seven terminal tractors, 14 trailers, two-rubber tyred gantries (RTG), four forklift (ECH) and two utility vans.
Others include two tugboats, a pilot boat, a mooring boat, fire engine and an ambulance.
Mr Mbalanya said more equipment are expected to be procured during 2021/2022 fiscal year as other two more berths get ready for use.
Hundreds of Lamu residents affected by Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) have also been assured they will receive compensation before the port starts its operations.
Last week, Cabinet Secretary Treasury Ukur Yatani visited the Lamu Port to access the project and assured locals of their compensation which is estimated to cost Sh1.76 billion.
According to KPA, consolidation of final list has begun and public meeting will be held starting this week to verify the beneficiaries before funds are released.
KPA has also formed a special team to market Lamu Port to Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan business communities ahead of its full operationalization slated 15th June this year.
The team with enticing tariffs is already contacting different port stakeholders, to induce them to start using the second Kenyan port, which will first focus on transshipment for the first two months after starting its operations.
Heavy Machinery lifted by a Gantry Crane to a barge at the Port of Mombasa to be transferred to Lamu Port in this photo taken on 25th April 2021. Lamu Port is expected to start operations from 15th June 2021.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit I Nation Media Group.
The port agency has already offered promotional tariffs to different port users, where shipping lines and agents have been offered free 30-day storage period for transshipment, and transit cargo compared to the current 14 days in the Mombasa port.
Domestic cargo has been offered 14-days storage free period, while cargo-based charges were slashed by 40 per cent.
