“I have instructed the relevant Government ministries and agencies to move with speed and ensure that these concerns are addressed as soon as possible,” the President said.

President Kibaki directed ministries concerned to train and an initial 1,000 youth in readiness for job opportunities that will be created by the port and the corridor.

He also directed that a technical institute be constructed as an integral part of the port development to ensure continuous training and re-skilling of local people, neighbouring local communities will also benefit from port and corridor development dividends in areas such as provision of water, electricity, roads and new schools.

The President further ordered that issuance of title deeds to residents of Lamu County and other parts of the coastal region to be fast-tracked.

“In addition, I want to assure you that my Government will compensate those affected by the development of the corridor in accordance with the law," said the President.

The Head of State pointed out that while developing the Lamu port, all necessary precautions must be taken to ensure that there is minimal interference with the delicate ecosystem and cultural heritage.

He said adequate expertise and technology must be deployed to ensure the desired development is achieved while at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability.

President Kibaki said the LAPSSET project marks yet another important milestone in the regional infrastructure
development agenda.

“Indeed, LAPSSET is among the flagship projects that seek to bring major transformation of our economies. Immense benefits will accrue from LAPSSET,” President Kibaki said.

In addition to addressing the transport challenges facing the Northern, Eastern and Coastal parts of Kenya, the President noted that the transport corridor will generate employment and act as a catalyst for increased productivity in various sectors of the economy.

He said that through the use of labour intensive methods, LAPSSET projects will generate massive employment opportunities for the region.

“This Project is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the economic livelihood of over 167 million people in our region,” the Head of State said.

President Kibaki thanked the Governments of South Sudan and Ethiopia for firmly supporting this project, saying the presence of President Kiir and Prime Minister zenawi at the launch is a testimony of the importance they attach to the construction of the LAPSSET project.

He said that the Kenya Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of South
Sudan to develop an oil pipeline from Juba to Lamu.

“This is an important component of LAPSSET. Moreover, in order to boost power requirements for LAPSSET projects, Kenya has signed an agreement with the government of Ethiopia for negotiated electricity supply,” President Kibaki said.

The President thanked the African Union, COMESA, EAC, SADC, as well as development partners among them the Africa Development Bank, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation for supporting the LAPSSET project.

“I have no doubt that this day will go down in history as one of the defining moments, when we made a major stride to connect our people to the many socio-economic opportunities that lie ahead,” President Kibaki said.

Prime Minister Zenawi expressed optimism that the regional infrastructure project will propel the three countries’ collective development forward.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister further noted that LAPSSET project will reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a gateway to East and Central Africa.

He added that the transport project will help expedite the vision of integration into reality.

“LAPSSET will not only better link our economies but also bring our people together,” Prime Minister Zenawi said.

President Kiir congratulated President Kibaki and the people of Kenya for the realisation of the dream transport project.

President Kiir added that the transport project will create export opportunities for the three countries and enhance national and regional stability.

He thanked the Government of Kenya for playing a key role the Sudan peace process that culminated in the birth of the young nation of South Sudan last year.

Other speakers included: Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Transport Minister Amos Kimunya, area MP Fahim Twaha, Lamu East MP and Fisheries Assistant Minister Abu Chiaba and Lamu County Council Chairman Abdulkassim Ahmed among others.

The function was also attended by National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, several ministers from Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan, several assistant ministers, MPs, senior government officials, diplomats, development partners and Lamu residents.