President William Ruto on Thursday, February 27 said a Kenya-Ethiopia deal on the Port of Lamu will transform the facility into a regional transshipment hub for landlocked countries.
"We have agreed with the Government of Ethiopia to start using Lamu Port so that we can create more jobs and grow the economy of this region," President Ruto said.
Dr Ruto announced this when he launched the first Kenya-Off Grid Solar Access Projects in Ndau Island, Lamu East Constituency, Lamu County, on Thursday.
President Ruto said he would soon host regional leaders at the Lamu Port, Kenya's second-biggest after the Port of Mombasa.
It is also a major component of the Lamu Port-South Sudan- Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) corridor, which has been in development since 2012.
The President also announced that the first three modern berths at the Lamu Port are complete and ready for use.
Further, he said the government has set aside Sh1.7 billion to compensate fisher folk who were displaced to facilitate the construction of the port.
During the Thursday visit to Lamu, President Ruto also toured Ndau, Kiwayu, and Mkokoni where he commissioned the off-grid solar power.
On electricity, President Ruto said the national government will connect 7,000 households in Lamu County to power for Sh600 million in this financial year.
The President reiterated that the discriminatory practices that denied parts of the country development resources have ended, and every part of Kenya must belong.
“I have launched off-grid solar power bearing in mind that I know the importance of electricity in hastening developments. Desalination, hospitals, and other sectors need electricity,” said President Ruto.
He added, “And that’s why I have plans for the mainland, as well. I will ensure that apart from Ndau Island, over 7000 locals in the mainland areas are also connected to electricity in their homes by January next year,”
Dr Ruto also launched the 468-unit Mokowe Affordable Housing Project in Lamu West Constituency, which he said will create job opportunities for young people in the area. He said that the initiative will be ready by January 2026.
He promised that the launched Sh1.2 billion Mokowe Affordable Housing Project will prioritize local labour and suppliers, with the government partnering with Jua Kali artisans and vocational training institutions to create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
It is estimated that the project will create direct employment for approximately 120 workers daily, including skilled professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and masons.
The project is, as well, expected to inject over Sh400 million into the local economy, integrate local Jua Kali artisans and MSMEs in collaboration with TVET colleges as well as partner with Mokowe Vocational Training Center for technical support and skills development.
“The Affordable Housing projects align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes housing as a key driver of employment and urban development. I will ensure the success of this initiative for the betterment of all of you,” said Dr Ruto.
On the issue of Identity Cards, President Ruto defended the move to scrap the old model where Lamu people and other citizens in border counties were subjected to vetting frustrations and marginalization.
“The too much vetting that you were subjected to as if you are not Kenyan citizens no longer exists. I have scrapped the frustrations. Now, the way citizens in other parts of Kenya will be issued ID cards is the same way that Lamu people will be handled to get the same IDs. I did that to ensure equity for all,” said Dr Ruto.
At the same time, President Ruto urged Kenyans to reject politicians dividing the country along tribal lines. He said such leaders have resorted to outdated tribal politics because they lack a plan that could take the country forward.
“We will not allow people who have no plan, vision or agenda for the country to derail us with negative ethnicity and useless politics that divides the nation,” he said.
The President went on: "We must stay united. We are one people and one nation with a common destiny. Some leaders are visionless. They have always preached tribal politics with the intention to divide you. Let me tell you that, as Lamu people, we must stay focused, and remain united. Let’s stay together. We are one people with one nation,” said Dr Ruto.
In Tana River County, President Ruto commissioned the Bura Gravity Canal (Korakora–Nanighi), which will expand the acreage under irrigation from 6,000 to 25,000 acres.
“Seventy per cent of the funding for this project came from the government because we recognise the importance of agriculture in producing food to eradicate hunger,” he said.
The President pointed out that the government is giving priority to investment in agriculture to make Kenya food secure and eliminate the shame of hunger.
He said the plan will not only create wealth for farmers but also reduce reliance on imports that strain the country's foreign exchange reserves.
Lamu leaders led by Governor Issa Timamy thanked President Ruto for recognizing Lamu in terms of development and other crucial matters affecting the county, including security, roads, and IDs among other issues.
“The Lamu people are fully in support of you Mr President. Lamu is now a UDA stronghold. All these people will fully support you come the 2027 General Election,” said Mr Timamy.
Other leaders present were Lamu West MP Stanley Muthama, his Lamu East Counterpart Ruweida Obbo, Lamu Women Rep Muthoni Marubu, Lamu Nominated Senator Shakila Abdalla, and Speaker of the Lamu County Assembly, Azhar Ali Mbarak.
