Kenya is stepping up efforts to unlock the economic potential of its northern region through two major infrastructure projects under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor initiative.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), in partnership with the Marsabit and Turkana county governments, has initiated plans to establish a dry port in Moyale and launch ferry services across Lake Turkana. The projects are expected to improve trade, logistics and regional connectivity while opening up new opportunities for investment, tourism and economic growth in northern Kenya.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto recently led a delegation to inspect proposed sites for the Moyale Dry Port and a modern jetty in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County. The jetty is intended to facilitate both passenger and cargo ferry services linking communities in Marsabit and Turkana counties across Lake Turkana.
The delegation also visited Kalokol in Turkana County to assess potential infrastructure developments on the opposite shore, laying the foundation for a transport link that officials believe could significantly enhance mobility and commerce in the region.
According to Ruto, the projects form part of the government’s broader strategy to accelerate economic development through targeted infrastructure investments along the LAPSSET Corridor.
He said the initiatives are designed not only to support the growth of urban centres along the corridor but also to foster stronger regional integration and economic activity.
The proposed Moyale Dry Port is expected to strengthen trade between Kenya and Ethiopia by serving as a logistics hub for cargo handling, customs processing and freight consolidation. As a key border town, Moyale has become an increasingly important gateway for goods moving across the Horn of Africa.
Analysts believe the facility could lower transport costs, improve cargo turnaround times and ease pressure on existing logistics centres, particularly for goods destined for Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Meanwhile, the planned Lake Turkana ferry service aims to address longstanding transport challenges facing communities around the lake. Currently, residents often rely on lengthy road journeys through difficult terrain to move people and goods between Marsabit and Turkana counties.
The ferry service is expected to offer a faster, safer and more affordable transport alternative. The project will include ferry landing facilities, passenger waiting areas, shelters and other supporting infrastructure required for modern operations.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed described the initiative as a significant milestone for communities that have long sought better connectivity across the lake.
He said the ferry link would improve transport and communication, facilitate trade and investment, enhance access to markets and essential services, promote tourism and strengthen socio-economic ties among communities surrounding Lake Turkana.
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The projects are part of the wider LAPSSET programme, one of Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings, which seeks to connect the Port of Lamu to Ethiopia and South Sudan through an integrated network of highways, railways, airports, resort cities and logistics hubs.
While substantial progress has been made on the Port of Lamu and key road networks, experts maintain that complementary investments such as dry ports and inland water transport systems are crucial to unlocking the corridor’s full economic potential.
The Moyale Dry Port is expected to facilitate the movement of goods from Lamu into Ethiopia, one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing markets. At the same time, the Lake Turkana ferry service is projected to stimulate local economies by reducing transport costs and creating opportunities in tourism, fishing, agriculture and small-scale trade.
The initiatives also reinforce KPA’s growing role in advancing Kenya’s blue economy agenda and promoting integrated transport systems that connect ports, roads, railways and inland waterways.
