KRA confirms arrival of the largest cargo at Lamu Port

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 18 – Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Friday confirmed the arrival of the largest transshipment cargo of 365 containers at Lamu Port, being the biggest and sixth consignment to be shipped to the Port since its operationalization.

The port which was built by the China Communications Construction Company started operations in May with the arrival of two ships, Maersk-operated MV Cap Carmel and MV Seago Bremerhaven.

In a statement, KRA said the arrival of the shipment reflects the confidence of the port and its potential on being a major transshipment hub in the region.

“Maersk Shipping Line vessel that shipped on Thursday after being cleared by Customs Officers based at the Port of Lamu, through the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS),” the agency noted.

The consignment, KRA said, was Saturday re-shipped by another Vessel, MV Ionian Express which was expected to arrive at consignees in Zanzibar.

“KRA calls upon Kenyan investors and other traders in the region to emulate the investors from Zanzibar who have used the port for the third time, a clear demonstration that it is cost-effective to import cargo through the Port of Lamu,” it added.

The cargo included a variety of goods, including, cooking oil, wheat flour, sugar, used clothing, rice, ready-made garments, fabrics, footwear, vehicles, and personal effects.

“KRA is in close collaboration with the multiagency team operating at the port to make the Port of Lamu have a competitive edge and become a port of choice for importers and exporters, through efficiency and a reduced cargo dwell time,” it said.

The port can handle large vessels with a carrying capacity ranging from 12,000 to 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

It is aimed at linking Lamu to South Sudan and Ethiopia, the main targets of cargo movement as part of the regional Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor project (LAPSSET).