NAIROBI, Kenya—Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged global shipping and logistics firm Maersk to deepen its investment in Kenya’s maritime and logistics sectors, particularly as the country prepares for the development of the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu.
Mudavadi said the government was seeking stronger partnerships with Maersk in maritime infrastructure, logistics and digital trade as Kenya positions itself to benefit from emerging regional trade opportunities.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary made the remarks after holding talks with APM Terminals President for Africa and Europe Igor Van Den Essen on expanding cooperation between Kenya and the Maersk Group.
Mudavadi said the discussions focused on how the company could participate more actively in Kenya’s maritime and logistics development while supporting efforts to expand trade and regional connectivity.
He urged Maersk to explore opportunities arising from the planned Dangote refinery, which he said could provide additional impetus for the development of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.
The refinery is expected to increase activity around Lamu and create demand for supporting infrastructure, transport, logistics and other services as the project progresses.
Mudavadi said Kenya wanted partnerships that could attract capital, technology and technical expertise while expanding employment and business opportunities for Kenyans.
“Building on the company’s engagement with Kenya’s National Infrastructure Board, I encouraged Maersk to seize the opportunities emerging from the groundbreaking of the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu,” Mudavadi said.
He said the project could serve as a catalyst for accelerating the LAPSSET Corridor and strengthening regional connectivity.
Mudavadi added that greater private-sector participation in maritime and logistics infrastructure would help Kenya expand trade while opening opportunities for businesses and young professionals.
The engagement comes as the government seeks to position Lamu as a strategic maritime, energy and logistics hub serving Kenya and the wider East African region.
The LAPSSET Corridor is designed to link the Lamu Port with northern Kenya and neighbouring countries, providing a transport and trade route intended to support regional commerce.
The planned refinery is expected to add another major economic activity to the Lamu corridor, alongside port operations and other infrastructure developments.
Mudavadi said the government would continue pursuing partnerships capable of supporting investment and innovation while strengthening Kenya’s position in regional and international trade.
