The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has marked a major milestone at the Lamu Port following the arrival of the largest car carrier vessel Grande Florida Palermo,to ever dock at the facility, delivering over 3,000 vehicles.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Lamu port, KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto described the shipment as a significant boost to the port’s growing profile in the region.

“This has carried the highest number of cars. This ship arrived yesterday and will be sailing tomorrow afternoon,” said Ruto.

He noted that the port is currently operating at an impressive efficiency level, with a daily discharge rate of up to 1,500 vehicles.

"Our average discharge per day is 1,500, which is at the highest. The port is now up to its capacity in terms of cargo, and we are expecting several vessels in the next week,” he added.

The latest arrival comes just a week after Lamu Port received its first-ever car carrier, signaling a rapid increase in activity and confidence in the facility.

“Last week we received our first car carrier, and this is the second with the highest number. No other port in the regioj has ever handled this kind of shipment of cars,” Ruto said.

He emphasized that the developments position Lamu Port as an emerging key logistics hub, not just for Kenya but for the wider East and Central African region.

“I want to assure everyone that this port is going to be transformed and turn into a major hub in the region,” he stated.

Ruto further revealed that the port’s expansion is already translating into tangible benefits for the local community, particularly in job creation.

"In a day, we give job opportunities to 150 locals,” he said, adding that more opportunities are expected as operations scale up.

Looking ahead, the KPA boss projected significant changes within the next six months, particularly in infrastructure development and economic growth around Lamu.

“Expect major transformations in the next six months in Lamu, majorly in infrastructure and job opportunities,” he said.

The increased vessel traffic and growing cargo volumes underscore Lamu Port’s strategic importance under Kenya’s broader maritime and trade development agenda, with stakeholders optimistic that the facility will soon rival established ports in the region.