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President Kiir Tasks Dr. Lam Akol to Accelerate Dry Port Development at Naivasha

In a significant move aimed at bolstering South Sudan’s logistics and transportation sectors, President Salva Kiir has mandated an acceleration in the development of the country’s dry port facility in Naivasha, Kenya. This directive was issued during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Minister of Transport, Dr. Lam Akol, and the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Madut Biar Yel.

Strategic Importance of the Naivasha Dry Port

The decision to fast-track the development of the Naivasha dry port is not just a logistical adjustment but a strategic economic shift. With the dry port, South Sudan aims to significantly reduce the logistical costs and transit times for goods shipped to its capital, Juba, from the Port of Mombasa.

Reducing Transit Time and Costs

According to President Kiir, “The establishment of a dry port in Naivasha will dramatically cut down the travel and clearance durations for goods destined for our nation, which in turn, will reduce the market prices making essential goods more accessible to our citizens.”

Boosting Trade and Economic Growth

Economic analysts believe that an operational dry port in Naivasha could transform the economic landscape of South Sudan by improving trade efficiencies and reducing the cost of imports. “An efficient dry port is essential for landlocked countries and can be a game-changer in how South Sudan handles its import and export activities,” stated John Akuei, a Nairobi-based economic consultant.

Challenges in the Current Logistics Network

Despite the promise and potential benefits of the Naivasha dry port, its development has been marred with delays. Since the allocation of 10 acres at the Naivasha Industrial Park by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2019, progress has been slow, and the project has yet to materialize significantly.

Logistical and Political Roadblocks

Experts point to a combination of logistical challenges and political instability as primary obstacles. “The interplay between inadequate infrastructural development and recurrent political tensions has critically hampered logistical projects like the Naivasha dry port,” explained Sarah Minyang, a South Sudanese political analyst.

Revitalizing the Higher Education Sector

Alongside improvements in transportation and logistics, President Kiir also highlighted the need for reforms in the higher education sector. Minister Madut Biar Yel has been tasked with implementing innovative changes to enhance the quality of higher education in South Sudan.

Improving Educational Quality and Access

“Our focus is on not only expanding access but also ensuring that the quality of education offered can meet the evolving needs of our nation,” said Minister Yel during his inaugural address. He emphasized plans to introduce more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs tailored to support local industries.

Commitment to the Peace Agreement

Attending the swearing-in ceremony, representatives from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and former detainees expressed their ongoing commitment to the peace agreement, underscoring a collective effort towards maintaining peace and stability in the nation.

Promoting Unity and Peace

“We are dedicated to the peace process and will continue to support initiatives that promote unity across all communities in South Sudan,” remarked Deng Alor, a representative of the former detainees.

Conclusion

The directives issued by President Kiir to expedite the development of the Naivasha dry port and to revamp the higher education system mark a critical step towards addressing some of the longstanding challenges faced by South Sudan. As these sectors are pivotal to the nation’s economic and social development, the successful implementation of these initiatives could indeed signify a turning point in South Sudan’s journey towards sustained growth and stability.