Muthaura appointment sets stage for Lapsset work to start

PHOTO | FILE Francis Muthaura at a past function. The appointment of the former head of public service as chairman of Lapsset Development Authority has set the stage for works on the multi-billion infrastructure to start.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Lapsset Development Authority was formed by former President Mwai Kibaki and it will function as an autonomous agency implementing the project on behalf the government. The institution is expected to oversee the roll out of the biggest infrastructure investment in Kenyan history.
• The team shall comprise of the chairman, five state officials and five representatives from the private sector. Operations of the authority will be headed by a director-general.

By Nation Correspondent
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The appointment of former head of public service, Mr Francis Muthaura, as chairman of Lapsset Development Authority has set the stage for works on the multi-billion infrastructure to start.

“Although some (leaders) have raised issues over the appointment of Mr Muthaura over his age, we view it as a plus as the project will benefit from institutional memory which will be useful in resolving the issues surrounding the many interests that the project attracts,” said an officer in the ministry of Infrastructure who is not authorised to speak to the press.

Lapsset Development Authority was formed by former President Mwai Kibaki and it will function as an autonomous agency implementing the project on behalf the government. The institution is expected to oversee the roll out of the biggest infrastructure investment in Kenyan history.

The authority will be headquartered in Nairobi with field offices in Lamu, Isiolo, Lokichoggio, Marsabit and Moyale.

READY TO BEGIN WORK

Mr Muthaura’s appointment by President Kenyatta paves the way for constitution of an 11-member board of directors to steer the work.

The team shall comprise of the chairman, five state officials and five representatives from the private sector. Operations of the authority will be headed by a director-general.

The main components of the Lapsset project include a road network, a railway line, oil pipeline from South Sudan to Lamu, and airports in Lamu, Isiolo and Lokichogio.

The railway line will run from Lamu to Isiolo from where it will branch to Ethiopia and South Sudan. There would also be three resort cities in Lamu, Isiolo and Turkana.

Experts say the project will create business opportunities for the people of Lamu, while opening up large swathes of land in northern Kenya that have remained unexploited due to lack of infrastructure.