Kenyan government has warned the private sector not to engage in lucrative deals not approved by the government on the Lamu Port project.

The Lamu County Governor, Issa Timmany, says there are fake companies that want to cash in on the Lamu Port Project by advertising to the public to extort money from them.

“That one is talking about corrupt people who could be doing their owned business like selling land elsewhere and quoting the name of the port,” Mr. Timmany told Eye Radio.

He urges the private sector to seek government’s approval before spending money on investments.

“Private sectors can quote anything but what is needed to be understood is that it is good for all the investors even those who have the land should consult with the county government before they make the advertisement,” he added.

Lamu Port, South Sudan and Ethiopia Transport Corridor is a joint venture of the three countries that seeks to improve infrastructure, railway and air transportation and oil pipeline construction.

LAPSSET Corridor Development Director General, Sylvester Kasuku said those with land, advertisers and investors who want to invest in private sectors are required to get clearance from the government.

Mister Kasuku also said that all the private sector should undertake the government development application.

LAPSSET is expected to cost an estimated amount of 16 billion US dollars

So far, the World Bank has expressed interest to fund part of the project, while Toyota Company, Japan has reportedly agreed to fund the construction of South Sudan’s oil pipeline to the Port of Lamu.