Kenya fast-tracks Sh28 billion LAPSSET corridor to anchor regional growth and cross-border integration

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In a reaffirmation of Kenya’s infrastructure ambitions, the government has advanced the construction of the first 410 km section of the Lamu-Masalani-Ijara-Garissa-Isiolo leg of the LAPSSET (Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport) corridor. As of October 6th 2025, approximately 88 km of this stretch have been completed, 17 km had been recorded by February and a further 71 km added in the past seven months. The project is budgeted at KSh 28 billion and is viewed as a cornerstone of Kenya’s Vision 2030 infrastructure plan.

The LAPSSET corridor has long been framed as a strategic regional development artery, linking Kenya to South Sudan and Ethiopia, opening new trade routes, and triggering economic growth across underserved counties. However, beyond the headline ambitions, the pace of progress and how infrastructure is delivered carry deep implications for sustainability, inclusion, and climate resilience.

President William Ruto’s inspection earlier this year flagged early works, and since then the additional 71 km push signals both technical momentum and political commitment. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, during a recent site visit, urged the contractor to stick to milestone targets, emphasizing that delays in land acquisition, funding disbursements, or community engagement could derail the project’s broader goals.