tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post6903070904838481854..comments2024-03-14T12:21:03.921+00:00Comments on The Rough Guide to Kenya: The Lamu Port Corridor: Fantasy or Fraud?Richard Trillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10252891231892285377noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-31330274623939308432023-01-17T21:51:52.240+00:002023-01-17T21:51:52.240+00:00As the owner of this blog, I've neglected it f...As the owner of this blog, I've neglected it far too long. But this thread always felt like it had a story to tell, with a start, a middle and an ending. So what kind of ending is there going to be for LAPSSET? Now we're only 7 years away from 2030, I have some questions. Is Vision2030 still a thing? What's going on at Lamu Port? What about the hard surface road from Garsen to Lamu Port? What about the railway that was meant to go from Lamu to Isiolo and then to Ethiopia and South Sudan. Does anyone have any news?Richard Trillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10252891231892285377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-59448903177932398482018-09-07T13:26:49.974+01:002018-09-07T13:26:49.974+01:00so where are your jingoistic Western pessimisms no...so where are your jingoistic Western pessimisms now? Richard I find you rather in the wrong place of work or addressing the wrong audience.It is Europe that you should be telling all these recycled fables about Africa as the old corrupt,poor,dirty place.You see..that was the West's attitude during the Cold War..post Cold War years and into the turn of the millennium.But Africa has changed and the Chinese have been quick to spot the opportunities afforded by the need to bridge Africa's infrastructure gap.Increasingly..Europe and the US continue their steady slide into irrelevance in this area.Have Africa's ugly characteristics that you are so keen to point out disappeared? no But we must move forward on our economic transformation agenda even as we tackle those issues that you westerners see only.Truth is Africa is no longer the Hopeless Continent as the ECONOMIST magazine so loudly proclaimed in it's January 2000 issue.Neither is and will the West anymore be as dominant and neocolonally arrogant with us anymoreAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05058418234497148651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-55435071613766410052015-04-30T17:21:58.397+01:002015-04-30T17:21:58.397+01:00can anyone tell me what is happening with this pro...can anyone tell me what is happening with this project today - march 30, 2015? and how has the recent al shabab attack in garissa affected the feasibility of/enthusiasm for this project?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-85838943626527109512014-07-19T11:51:25.548+01:002014-07-19T11:51:25.548+01:00We agree with Kenyan policy advisors that Lamu off...We agree with Kenyan policy advisors that Lamu offers a fine, sheltered deep-water harbour and extensive areas of level land for development.However, policy advisors also agree that Lamu lacks hinterland demand and access connections are yet to be developed. Kenyan Lamu port contrasts with most other new city port growth poles in modern Africa, where a specific industrial raison d’être has provided an essential stimulus for port development. The handling of coal at Richards Bay (South Africa) and of iron ore at Saldanha Bay (South Africa), Nouadhibou (Mauritania) and Buchanan (Liberia), the treatment of timber at San-Pédro (Côte d’Ivoire), the aluminium industry at Tema (Ghana), Ethiopian hinterland at Djibouti, the phosphate developments at Lomé and Kpemé (Togo) all provide examples of motivating industries without parallel in the Kenya case. Promoters of Takaungu Port also feel that Lamu options does not address the urgent need to provide a solution to port and urban congestion at Mombasa and fear that absence of hinterland driven development at Lamu reinforced by global maritime transport systems shall favor port concentration at Mombasa to aggravate the problem and valid concept of Mombasa port diffusion will remain non-starter. Takaungu port offers a satellite option. Finally, Djibouti can boast of the most modern African port. Lamu need to compare its standing vis a vis the brand new Doraleh Terminal built and operated by eminent Dubai WorldAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10199874682870605302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-46846867614393748132014-06-02T22:31:57.061+01:002014-06-02T22:31:57.061+01:00I'm just dropping back into this thread to see...I'm just dropping back into this thread to see if anyone has any recent news or information about LAPSSET. Most of my social media life in on twitter these days, and I'm afraid I'm not the blogger I once was (which was not much of a blogger considering how infrequently I posted), but this particular thread still seems to be on a few peoples' radars. <br /><br />When I was in Lamu in December 2013, absolutely nothing was happening at the so-called port area opposite Manda island. My sense is that, apart from some people making money from land deals, this is a dead duck. The huge interest in the size and viability of the standard gauge Mombasa to Nairobi railway project has reminded everyone how much things really cost. And why it's important to have a pressing economic need to do them. <br /><br />Wouldn't it be welcome and refreshing if the Kenyatta government made a commitment to regional development on an achievable scale – and followed through on it? Is there popular will to get behind the building of the Mombasa-Nairobi railway line. A functioning passenger and freight railway between Kenya's two biggest cities would be a massive achievement.<br /><br />What do people think? Richard Trillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10252891231892285377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-68506523657792125952013-01-26T18:10:57.790+00:002013-01-26T18:10:57.790+00:00jambo richard,
las vegas was once a dream! dubai ...jambo richard,<br /><br />las vegas was once a dream! dubai in the desert!lamu is coming...of course we expect some problems..but that creates work for people with solutions.<br /><br /><br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02968453354614444920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-64293784806523070102013-01-21T13:42:37.849+00:002013-01-21T13:42:37.849+00:00Hi, am a student at university of Nairobi. Proposi...Hi, am a student at university of Nairobi. Proposing a cultural center, in Isiolo and its majorly influenced by the proposed resort city.. anyone know where i could get good info bout the Isiolo resort city...info like the exact area chosen for the city, roads that will lead to this areas... etcAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11722407243085542832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-17921706588688694942012-03-21T08:38:29.415+00:002012-03-21T08:38:29.415+00:00As a Kenyan, with roots from the Coast, I believe ...As a Kenyan, with roots from the Coast, I believe that the project lacks transparency. Most people at the Coast have no information about the project. From the comments here, it seems most Kenyans who support the project are from the inland areas far from the Coast. Looking at the government's record with recent infrastructure projects, there is reason to be skeptical on issues of corruption and on how long the project will take. <br /><br />As many have argued, it makes more sense to rebuild the Nairobi - Mombasa - Kisumu/Eldoret railway and highways instead of building new ones away from major population and industrial centres. The Mombasa port is currently congested, not because of lack of capacity, but because of poor management and corruption. The Mombasa highway is filled with trucks because the railway has been allowed to collapse. Sections of the Nakuru - Kisumu railway are being vandalized openly with little action from the government. <br /><br />Just think of what 20 billion dollars can do to all the roads in Kenya, alongside schools, hospitals, railways and water systems.Godfreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06646786689440110136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-46689064641944452482012-03-06T05:14:49.409+00:002012-03-06T05:14:49.409+00:00Nice discussion. I share the perspective of Dorcas...Nice discussion. I share the perspective of Dorcas. For those people in Europe or the Americas who are still not convinced anything good can come from Africa, let them wait. China thought them a lesson and we shall repeat the same here in Africa. The optimism in Kenya and Africa for the last 10 years is unimaginable and we shall do it. In 1998, I would die to get a visa to go to Europe and US to work. For now even if you paid me, I will think twice since there is so much one can do here and it is easier to get wealthy/successful back here than out there. <br />Anyway, less of the individual stuff. Investing in the LAPSSET project will create new urban centers which come with opportunities and urbanization. Can we industrialize without urbanization? I doubt.Mkenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-23040699734203585762012-03-05T11:26:35.571+00:002012-03-05T11:26:35.571+00:00It is absurd to see that most of the commentators ...It is absurd to see that most of the commentators on this subject are foreigners, most of who have no remorse on the plight of the people of Kenya. To preserve Lamu for the wealthy tourists to enjoy at the expense of economic development of Eastern Africa is unfortunate.<br />I am totally in support of this project.chemwenohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11049605271334047380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-7337467558189829072012-03-04T10:33:57.636+00:002012-03-04T10:33:57.636+00:00Have a look on the proposed railway infrastructure...Have a look on the proposed railway infrastructure, <br />especially the link between Isiolo and Lodwar, crossing the Rift.<br />Then go to google earth and try to figure out how it could ever be build..., <br />technically through the lava mountains, and for cost reasons. <br />In my opinion it's non-sense, no serious study was made, <br />South Sudan will never get its connection to Lamu this way round, <br />and the same looks true for the Ethiopian branch to Moyale.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-42122092175436484842012-03-02T15:04:38.099+00:002012-03-02T15:04:38.099+00:00Richard, one of best way to enhance elementary rig...Richard, one of best way to enhance elementary rights is through economic empowerment. by opening up this region, the rest of the country will be able to interact with our northern Kenya brothers. how can you fight hunger when food cannot be transported fast and efficiently to the needy? when can one preach human rights to the hungry and dying?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-63282615459865584272012-03-02T14:55:22.388+00:002012-03-02T14:55:22.388+00:00Richard, please try and bring on board other exper...Richard, please try and bring on board other experts other than Mr.Jaindi who is no expert bit a journalist. secondly you do seem to live in the Kenya of the 90's. pessimism will not help this country. all the great nations of the world where made so by men and women who could dare to dream big. one's achievements in life can not exceed your dreams.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-59542951251414525622012-03-02T10:47:09.888+00:002012-03-02T10:47:09.888+00:00Richard
Can't believe all you have regarding ...Richard <br />Can't believe all you have regarding this "from the sun"project with all our leaders burrying their heads in the sun .<br />Its better we "EXTREME MAKEOVER" what is still there than entertain this dream for circustances does not allow use of such large amount of money <br />just been thinking <br />(1) same year we are building a silicon city ******<br />(2)we are changing our education )leaders children are stuying overseas)<br />(3)we are unable to feed our people <br />(4)we still have idps in camps <br />(5)Today people will die because the nurses are on strike for "luck of finances"<br />(6)farmers have no govt incetives to do the farming (rift valley farmers striking coz fertilizer is still at the port <br /><br />(7)(8)..............<br />with any right minded kenyan we should be prepared to buy bread at about usd5 soon (ksh 500) and never complain .any Richard you are very right on any aspect of this project and a waste on money (tax payers money!!!!!!!!!!!! )Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-54138148428764940212012-02-24T18:17:15.482+00:002012-02-24T18:17:15.482+00:00Thanks Magnus, and not surprisingly I completely a...Thanks Magnus, and not surprisingly I completely agree with you. <br /><br />There's a growing surge of concern and awareness about the whole project. However, I think there's a widespread misapprehension, especially in the Lamu community and from conservationists, that LAPSSET is happening anyway, whereas in fact I don't believe any finance has been agreed. But there's still the huge issue of wasted time and effort in proposing and rejecting an unworkable mega-project when Kenya urgently needs to focus, as you say, on genuine development where real needs are being met. <br /><br />Another blogger, Wolfgang Thome, has just covered the story and has interesting and lengthy quotes from a Kenyan government source and a conseravationist opposed to the plans. <br /><br />Well worth reading:<br /><br />http://wolfganghthome.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/kenya-conservation-news-is-lamu-the-next-battle-ground-between-conservationists-and-developers/#comment-3505Richard Trillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10252891231892285377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-6383959439794403942012-02-24T14:16:00.843+00:002012-02-24T14:16:00.843+00:00Hi Richard -
Thanks for bringing this to my atten...Hi Richard -<br /><br />Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I personally think your interview and comments on the proposed developments are fair-minded and demonstrate v.good knowledge. The project looks prettty unworkable really though, and some aspects eg the construction of 'resort cities' totally undesirable. I'm very sceptical as to proposed plans to build anything (let alone a complex oil pipeline) through Northern Kenya. Plans like this are much more rhetorical and political than they are about genuine infrastructure development. The suggestion of massive coastal development is a good way to garner support of coastal voters for upcoming elections. I also agree that it is a complete scandal that the Mombasa-Nairobi rail link has been left to rot (and the road isn't great either). The Kenyan govt would do much better investing in this than spending millions on consultants for unworkable projects. Investing in infrastrucutre around Mombasa would also prevent destruction of the rich natural environment to the North (whilst increasing access for tourists.)<br /><br />All Best,<br /><br />Magnus<br /><br />African Arguments OnlineAfrican Arguments Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06464064030722993712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-90526212974387123112012-02-23T20:21:35.975+00:002012-02-23T20:21:35.975+00:00Incidentally, it would be also be refreshing to ha...Incidentally, it would be also be refreshing to have a few attributable comments, not just the views of Mr/Ms Anonymous telling me to mind my own business.Richard Trillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10252891231892285377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-8988489376174788762012-02-23T20:11:49.038+00:002012-02-23T20:11:49.038+00:00Anonymous,
Optimism isn't enough. Kenya needs ...Anonymous,<br />Optimism isn't enough. Kenya needs the rule of law. It was brutalised and let down by the British, and it's been equally let down by successive governments since 1963. By any measure, corruption in Kenya is massively in excess of what can be absorbed by the legitimate economy. Too many people feel they have little or no stake in the country's progress. And as for being free of neo-colonialism, how is the LAPSSET project going to be paid for except by deals that sell off Kenya's resources to the highest bidder? LAPSSET is a neo-colonial project of the worst kind. Fortunately, or unfortunately, whichever way you see it, the price is going to be far too high and the benefits just aren't clear enough.Richard Trillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10252891231892285377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-73059885488035323992012-02-23T19:59:56.051+00:002012-02-23T19:59:56.051+00:00Thanks for the various comments received about thi...Thanks for the various comments received about this post in recent weeks. I don't have any argument with anyone who wants peace, prosperity and freedom of speech in Kenya. That's what everyone wants. I just don't see any evidence of consultation about LAPSSET in Kenya, or of any kind of national debate that would challenge these astronomically expensive proposals. Or of a single high-level prosecution for corruption that might lead people to trust the government. All of which makes me very sceptical. If decades can go by while the country's premier bit of transport infrastructure (the Nairobi-Mombasa railway) is simply allowed to fail into disrepair by the government, could someone tell me why we should believe them when the same people say they're going to build a brand-new railway, three times as long, through the desert. When we read that LAPSSET is also supposed to include three new "resort cities", then you have to be even more sceptical. Building "resort cities" just isn't how tourism is developed. Tourists coming to Kenya don't want to visit "resort cities".<br /><br />Everyone has a right to express their views on the LAPSSET proposals and on Kenya in general, even a UK-based travel writer and Kenya-phile like myself. And there are no borders to our rights to freedom of expression. If you want to criticise hypocritical British foreign policy, or Scotland's desire/lack of desire for Independence, or today's Somalia conference in London, please go ahead. I find it pretty sad that one recent comment stated "I cannot offer to competently analyse & comment on politics of another nation". Why on earth not? You have every right to do so, regardless of your nationality, location or vested interests. <br /><br />Equally, everyone should expect to be challenged on their views.<br /><br />It would be refreshing to get some actual feedback on the substantive points in my post and in one or two of the earlier comments. There's a very good article about the proposed oil pipeline here: http://africanarguments.org/2012/02/06/pipe-dreaming-over-oil-in-south-sudan-%E2%80%93-by-luke-patey/ which moves the arguments on quite a lot, and it has very worthwhile links to further articles. A lot of emphasis is currently being placed on South Sudan as a key partner for Kenya, but people may overlook the fact that the failing dicatorship based in Khartoum can't last forever, and will also need to remain a friend of Kenya in the long term. Have a look at this: http://www.africasnews.com/2012/02/09/east-africa-sudan-conflict-challenges-kenya/<br /><br />and this: http://sahelblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/oil-struggles-and-pipeline-threats-in-the-sudans/Richard Trillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10252891231892285377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-46524872653931668162012-02-23T14:27:30.444+00:002012-02-23T14:27:30.444+00:00This comment has been removed by the author.Richard Trillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10252891231892285377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-27551800888351688042012-02-23T13:40:37.970+00:002012-02-23T13:40:37.970+00:00Thankyou administrator,Africans can manage their a...Thankyou administrator,Africans can manage their affairs effectively and efficiently. Richard if you do not believe in what Kenya is doing you should not be doing business in Kenya. so please respect Kenyans and stop dissuading them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-51868919471260425572012-02-23T13:29:59.828+00:002012-02-23T13:29:59.828+00:00Richard,
At times it is important to be optimistic...Richard,<br />At times it is important to be optimistic as this is what will keep us going. the economic growth seen in kenya since 2003 when kibaki took over the leadership of this nation was merely driven by optimism as opposed to the pessimism of Kenyans. those who remained pessimistic have lost greatly. while we talk about corruption i would ask you to name any country in this world where there exists no corruption,where the capitalist have sat down and let the intrests of others take precedent over their own intrests. the Lamu port will offer both direct and indirect employment to the local communities and hence the reason why Kenyans should be looking forward to the same. Kenyans,forget about what Richard says let us support this project and the government in such projects for this is what will set us free from the elements of neo-collonialism which we have lived with since indipendence. it is the high time that this country achieves a middle class economy status.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-9182092089919380542012-02-13T13:06:17.237+00:002012-02-13T13:06:17.237+00:00I cannot believe the level of ignorance displayed ...I cannot believe the level of ignorance displayed here. When a foreigner, regular visitor or a Kenyan in the diaspora peddles in mis-information, I cannot blame them because they have the usual stereotypes of what the 3rd world is supposed to be like. But for a Kenyan living in Kenya to doubt and not seek the truth is just sad. All the information is available and local communities in the area are sensitized and eager for the project to get off the ground. I know this because I have relatives & friends in the area. I dont think that all persons in the area need to endorse the project before it starts and I expect activists to voice their concerns and Government should address them. <br /><br />I know to Richard and others of his ilk, Africans need to follow the prescribed path of first getting some education and a proper civilized religion, eradicate disease, ingrain democracy, sort out the appalling human rights standard's, before they can be allowed to dabble in big projects! <br /><br />FYI in 2003 there was only about 8b available for roads construction and maintenance. Today over 100b is easily raised through the fuel levy and directed to new roads and maintenance of existing ones, never mind the real and perceived corruption. Today we live in a very different Kenya, so different that anyone who judges us by the 1990's standards will be missing the point by a mile! Thanks to financiers who believe in Kenyans and dont get distracted by a few cases of corruption, so much more infrastructure is coming up all over the country. We also love our historical sites and pristine nature as much as you do, but we are looking at the bigger picture. We are looking to open up our country, give every citizen access to basic services like power, roads, access to markets and connectivity. <br /><br />On 2nd March the Presidents of Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia will be ground-breaking this "phantom" project. In less than a year a 350km 220kV line will be supplying reliable power to the region. Your doubting posture and demeaning comments only help to strengthen the nation's resolve to chart our own path.<br /><br />With all due respect to Richard, your travel guides are good, but leave local politics and development issues to Kenyans. Just the same way I cannot offer to competently analyse & comment on politics of another nation even where I have good contacts or make regular visits. <br /><br />Trust me, LAPPSET is happening and LAPPSET along with Vision 2030 are game changers for our country. Get used to the idea.Administrator Onehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02338476917423371868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-13799655668327813612012-02-13T06:05:56.940+00:002012-02-13T06:05:56.940+00:00being white dont make u more bright, leave Kenya/ ...being white dont make u more bright, leave Kenya/ Africans alone. The Lamu port must go on whether u like it or not, because we as people of Kenya say so. we want jobs men, Your countries are busy destroying the world through co2 emission, go preach to them first.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31101786.post-22106231193171822632012-01-30T22:14:48.735+00:002012-01-30T22:14:48.735+00:00Lots of big plans all over the place, everyone eag...Lots of big plans all over the place, everyone eager to satisfy an insatiable Chinese appetite for oil and minerals. This incredibly ambitious project may never get off the ground, but in the meantime there can still be land grabbing and profit making on the backs of locals, all done in the name of development. This is also happening in Mwambani in Tanzania. Those opposed can simply be branded as traitors or anti-development. Yes, we all want prosperity, but these local fights are crucial to establishing the path that needs to be followed -- fair, transparent, sensible, equitable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com