Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy hosted a high-profile delegation of nine ambassadors from Arabic-speaking nations in a strategic move to position Lamu as East Africa's next major trade and investment hub.
The diplomatic mission focused on showcasing the transformative potential of the Lamu Port and the broader LAPSSET Corridor Program, a flagship infrastructure project designed to enhance regional integration and economic growth across East Africa.
According to the Lamu County Government, the visiting envoys received a comprehensive briefing on the port's advanced capabilities, including its capacity to handle post-Panamax vessels, a critical advantage for boosting maritime trade in the region. Senior officials from the LAPSSET program and Kenya Ports Authority highlighted the port's modern infrastructure and its role as a catalyst for regional commerce.
A key highlight of the visit was the introduction to the LAPSSET Special Economic Zone, which offers investor-friendly incentives, including preferential tariffs and streamlined regulatory processes. The delegation toured the state-of-the-art port facilities, witnessing firsthand the ongoing developments that underscore Lamu's emergence as a strategic maritime gateway.
Governor Timamy used the occasion to reaffirm Lamu's commitment to attracting investment, pledging to fast-track approval processes for potential investors within three days.
He positioned Lamu as both a premier tourist destination and an emerging economic powerhouse, urging the ambassadors to promote the county's potential in their respective countries.
The engagement concluded with renewed optimism about Lamu Port's capacity to attract global shipping operators and cement Kenya's position as a regional trade leader.
The visit marks a significant step in Lamu's transformation from a historic Swahili settlement into a modern economic linchpin for East Africa.