Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya has directed the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to expedite the resettlement and compensation process for 1,648 individuals affected by the Mombasa Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project.
CS Mvurya emphasized that KPA, as the implementing agency, must complete these tasks by the end of September this year.
In a recent multi-sectoral consultative engagement held at KPA headquarters in Mombasa, CS Mvurya highlighted the necessity of resolving grievances raised by Project Affected Persons to prepare the land for development.
The meeting, which included leaders from Mombasa and Kwale counties, showcased significant progress made by KPA and the Special Economic Zone Authority in attracting investors.
To date, 97 investors have shown interest in establishing operations within the SEZ, with 60% being local and 40% foreign.
CS Mvurya underscored the importance of regular consultative meetings with local leaders to address emerging issues and close the information gap between project stakeholders and grassroots leadership.
Additionally, CS Mvurya instructed Principal Secretary for Investment and Promotion, Abubakar Hassan, to form a dedicated technical team to address critical issues, including the skills gap among local youth.
This team will collaborate with academic institutions to provide targeted training aligned with investor needs, ensuring that 50% local employment requirements are met and that the youth are prepared for upcoming job opportunities.
