As the world converges in Nairobi for first global Sustainable Blue Economy Conference (SBEC) (which kicks off today November 26th - 28th), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat will host a side event whose focus will be to showcase the potential of the LAPSSET Corridor Programme in harnessing opportunities for development in the blue economy.
The event will create a forum to market various components of the transport corridor project which include exploration of marine resources, commercial fishing, mineral exploitation, shipping, trade, carbon sequestration, tourism, and recreation.
Themed smart shipping, ports, transportation and global connectivity, the forum will bring together key stakeholders, potential investors and development partners will provide a resources mobilisation platform for programme implementation.
A statement from NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat said the Lamu Port - South Sudan - Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Programme is a regional multi-modal infrastructure programme that integrates roads, railway and pipeline components in Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
The programme is the single largest project of its nature in East and Central Africa, intended to provide seamless connectivity and enhancement of trade and logistics within the region.
The Corridor also provides an alternative and strategic gateway to serve the landlocked neighboring countries of Ethiopia, South Sudan and beyond.The scope of the trunk infrastructure includes:-
1. A 32 Berth Port in Lamu intended to unlock logistics and trade and create a regional transport hub.
2. Interregional Standard Gauge Railway lines from Lamu to Isiolo, Isiolo to Nakodok and Juba (in South Sudan), Isiolo to Moyale and to Addis Ababa (in Ethiopia), and Nairobi to Isiolo.
3. Interregional Highways from Lamu to Isiolo, Isiolo to Nakodok and Juba, Isiolo to Moyale and to Addis Ababa.
4. Crude Oil Pipeline from Juba - Nakodok – Lokichar - Isiolo – Lamu; and5. Product Oil Pipeline from Lamu - Isiolo - to Moyale and Moyale to Addis Ababa.
The LAPSSET event will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel on Tuesday November 27 as from 8 am to 2 pm.