Wetang’ula eyes China’s port model to modernise Lamu, cut cargo costs

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula with other lawmakers during a visit to Tianjin port in China/NANational Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has said Kenya could adopt China’s automated port operations to modernise Lamu Port, reduce cargo-handling costs and strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub.

Wetang’ula said lessons from Tianjin Port, one of China’s major maritime gateways, could help Kenya improve efficiency, digitise cargo-handling processes and attract more shipping lines and investors to Lamu.

The Speaker spoke during a tour of Tianjin Port and the Modern Industrial Exhibition and Exchange Centre in Binhai New Area, China, as part of his participation in the 2026 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges.

He said automation, artificial intelligence and clean-energy technologies had demonstrated how modern port infrastructure could support industrial growth and improve the movement of goods.

“What we have seen in Tianjin is how automation, artificial intelligence and green energy can turn a port into a driver of industrial growth. Kenya can adapt these lessons to make Lamu more efficient, competitive and attractive to shipping lines and investors,” Wetang’ula said.

Lamu Port, a key component of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, is expected to complement the Port of Mombasa, ease pressure on existing maritime infrastructure and provide an alternative gateway for landlocked countries in the region.

Wetang’ula said realising the port’s potential would require investment in modern cargo-handling systems, digital logistics and customs processes to reduce delays and make shipping more predictable.National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula with other lawmakers during a visit to Tianjin port in China/NA

He said cooperation between Tianjin and Lamu could also facilitate technology transfer, training and the adoption of cleaner cargo-handling equipment.

The Speaker linked port modernisation to Kenya’s efforts to expand exports and strengthen domestic manufacturing, citing the trade imbalance between Kenya and China as evidence of the need to increase local production and value addition.

He said Kenya imported goods worth approximately $5.19 billion from China in 2025, compared with exports valued at $130.8 million.

Wetang’ula argued that more efficient transport and logistics systems, coupled with local manufacturing, would help Kenyan producers move goods to international markets at lower costs and compete more effectively.

He also cited emerging investment opportunities in energy and green mobility, including a proposed Dangote refinery and a planned partnership with Endelevu Enterprise Corporation on electric vehicle assembly and charging infrastructure.

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, nominated MP Irene Mayaka and Kiminini MP John Chikati accompanied the Speaker during the visit.

Baya said modernising Lamu Port could create jobs for coastal communities and support investment in the blue economy.A view of Tianjin port in China/NA

“Lamu cannot remain an underutilised asset. If we automate operations and cut cargo delays, we create real opportunities for our fishermen, transporters and small traders at the Coast. Efficiency at the port means income at the grassroots,” he said.

Mayaka said technology transfer and skills development should provide opportunities for women and young people to participate in emerging industries.

“What impressed me in Tianjin is the deliberate investment in people behind the technology. For Kenya, this means training our young women in logistics, AI-driven operations and green energy so they are not left behind in the future of work,” she said.

Chikati said Parliament would be central to developing policies and standards to ensure foreign investments deliver long-term benefits to Kenya.

He said legislation should support local content, skills transfer and environmental protection as the country adopts new port technologies and attracts electric vehicle investments.

Wetang’ula said Kenya’s partnership with China should increasingly focus on local manufacturing, technology transfer and job creation rather than dependence on imported finished products.

“Our goal is to turn the friendship between Kenya and China into jobs, inclusive growth and lasting prosperity,” he said.National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula with other lawmakers and officials during a visit to Tianjin port in China/NA

He cited cooperation in technical and vocational education and training as one area where the partnership was building local capacity, noting that 144 technical training institutions had received modern equipment while 314 trainers had undergone training through Kenya-China programmes.

The Speaker said further cooperation in agriculture, clean energy and manufacturing could help Kenyan producers increase output, add value to their products and expand exports.

The 2026 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges has brought together more than 60 serving and former legislators from five continents to promote parliamentary dialogue, peace and economic cooperation.