Kenya’s Lamu Corridor Moves Into the Spotlight as Cargo Shifts North

NAIROBI – July 2, 2025
After years of skepticism and political delays, Kenya’s LAPSSET Corridor is finally beginning to show real signs of life. In June, freight activity surged through the Port of Lamu, with inland cargo volumes increasing by more than a third compared to the same period last year, according to official figures from the Kenya Ports Authority.

“It’s not a concept anymore — it’s working,” said Moses Karanja, who oversees logistics operations at Lamu’s inland distribution terminal. “We’re no longer talking about potential. We’re moving actual goods.”

A Corridor Years in the Making

The LAPSSET Corridor — short for Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport — was once seen as a political promise with little substance. But infrastructure upgrades have finally aligned. A major road connecting Isiolo to the Ethiopian border has been completed, and the Garissa dry port is now operational, easing pressure on overused southern routes.

For the first time since its launch, Lamu handled over one million tonnes of inland cargo in a single quarter. The bulk consisted of construction equipment, processed foods, and fuel-related supplies heading toward northern Kenya, Ethiopia, and parts of South Sudan.

“This is helping open up inland economies that have long been isolated,” explained Dr. Leila Yusuf, an independent logistics consultant based in Nairobi.

Changing Business Behavior

Transport companies are responding quickly. Nairobi-based Sifa Freight has added 150 trucks to its fleet and is running daily departures toward Moyale and Marsabit. Ethiopian traders are also beginning to shift routes, using Lamu as a new entry point for manufactured imports and outbound goods.

Transit times from Lamu to Addis Ababa have fallen by nearly 40%, cutting the journey from five days to just under three, depending on clearance times.

“We’re now considering Lamu as our main gateway,” confirmed Dawit Alemu, a freight forwarder working with clients in Hawassa and Dire Dawa. “It’s still early, but the difference in speed is clear.”

Looking Ahead: Rail Remains the Missing Link

Despite recent momentum, full multimodal integration remains a goal. Kenya’s Ministry of Infrastructure has confirmed that it is finalizing studies for a new rail line linking Lamu to the main standard gauge network.

Until then, truck-based cargo will dominate. Still, regional planners believe the shift in freight patterns marks a historic pivot away from dependence on the congested Mombasa corridor.