Ongoing negotiations between Kenya and Qatar could see the construction of a port in Lamu to decongest the Kilindini facility in Mombasa.

The port which the Qataris are keen to invest in will cost an estimated $3.5 billion.

The Kilindini port, the gateway to East Africa, saw a 21% increase in cargo last year to 15.9 million tonnes. Building a second port means that some commercial cargo will be directed there to reduce congestion.

Importers say the construction of a three-phase second container terminal at the Kilindini harbour is key to accommodating major international businesses.

Shippers have complained of delay in being allocated berths for docking, thereby delaying  off-loading of cargo.