Sh1.4 Billion Allocated to Accelerate Dongo Kundu Compensation and Investment

Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced a significant financial commitment aimed at expediting the compensation process for individuals impacted by the Dongo-Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project. The allocation of Sh1.4 billion is intended to facilitate the swift relocation and compensation of affected persons, ensuring that the land is made available for investment opportunities as quickly as possible.

During a progress update meeting held at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) headquarters, Mvurya detailed the allocation of the funds to KPA, which is tasked with overseeing the compensation efforts. The goal is to complete the compensation process by next month. Key figures in attendance included leaders from Kwale and Mombasa counties, various government officials, Principal Secretary for Investment Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, and the Chair and Managing Director of KPA.

Mvurya explained that the compensation will be carried out on two fronts. Firstly, 1,648 individuals affected by the project will be provided with new land and support to develop their new properties. The designated compensation area spans 430 acres, and KPA will lead the execution of this process, addressing any grievances that may arise.

In his address, Mvurya emphasized the importance of developing essential horizontal infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and power stations to support the SEZ. He highlighted a collaborative effort with the Japanese government, noting that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will contribute Sh58 billion toward the infrastructure setup, including the installation of a water pipeline from Tiwi to the SEZ.

Mvurya also shared that there has been considerable interest from investors, with 97 applications received to date for licenses to establish operations within the SEZ. Three investors are poised to begin their ventures this week as their applications near completion. Of the total applications, 60 are from local investors, while the remainder are international.

The Cabinet Secretary outlined the diverse nature of the investment interests, which range from automobile assembly and pharmaceutical industries to ventures within the Blue Economy. Additionally, some investors are seeking partnerships with the Port to enhance its operational capabilities.

Recognizing the need for a skilled workforce to support the SEZ’s development, Mvurya announced that funds have been allocated for vocational training programs. These programs aim to equip the youth with essential skills and collaborate with local universities to address key competencies required for the SEZ’s success.

Mombasa County Senator Mwinyi Haji Faki, representing coastal leaders, endorsed the vocational training initiative, highlighting its potential positive impact on the youth in the region. He also called for transparency in the committees established to manage disputes among local residents regarding ongoing issues.

The Sh1.4 billion allocation represents a crucial step in advancing the Dongo-Kundu SEZ project, facilitating both the compensation of affected individuals and the attraction of investments that are expected to drive economic growth in the region.