Kenya: The Government has intensified the efforts to realize and operationalize the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mombasa, with the aim of stimulating economic growth across the country.
Reportedly, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry – Salim Mvurya announced that compensation for the 1,648 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) is currently in progress and is expected to be completed within a month. He said, “This will pave the way for the project, which aims to transform the region into a key manufacturing and logistics hub.”
He added that the government has allocated Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Sh1.4 billion to conclude the compensation program. The 1,648 PAPs will be relocated to 430 acres of designated land.
“We are happy that our partnership with the government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the development of the project. Providing Sh58 billion,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
Considering the the progress of the project, Mvurya was satisfied and expressed this at the KPA headquarters after a consultative meeting with the Coast political leaders and the project implementing government agencies.
The Cabinet Secretary was flanked by the Investment Promotion Principal Secretary – Abubakar A. Hassan, noted that the project has attracted 97 investors, with 60% local investments and the remainder as international investments.
He urged the investors to capitalize on the opportunity by establishing their companies within the span of six months upon acquiring license, also with the warning that failure to do so could result in withdrawal of operational licenses.
“We are ready to host investors because this project will generate job opportunities for residents and youth,” he said.
The leaders were further informed that there are plans for training the youth at vocational training institutions and at universities to ensure that they are equipped with a set of new skills relevant for the emerging job opportunities upon completion of the project.
Notably, the Mombasa consultative meeting welcomed the KPA Board Chairman – Benjamin Tayari, KPA Managing Director – Capt. William Ruto, SEZA Chief Executive Officer – Kenneth Chelule, Kwale Deputy Governor – Chirema Kombo, Mombasa Senator – Mohamed Faki , Kwale Senator – Issa Juma Boy, Kwale Woman Representative – Fatuma Masito, Kilifi North MP – Owen Baya, Kinango MP – Gonzi Rai, Lunga Lunga MP – Mangale Chiforomodo, Matuga MP – Kassim Tandaza, Kisauni MP – Rashid Bedzimba, Changamwe MP – Omar Mwinyi, Speaker of Kwale County Assembly – Seth Kamanza Mwatela and a section of MCAs from Mombasa and Kwale County Assemblies.