Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced the allocation of Sh1.4 billion to accelerate the compensation process for individuals affected by the Dongo-Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project.
The funding aims to ensure that the land is promptly available for investment opportunities.
During a progress update meeting held at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) headquarters, Mvurya highlighted that the KPA, as the implementing agency, has been allocated the full amount to complete the compensation program by next month.
The meeting, attended by Kwale and Mombasa County leaders, various government agencies, Principal Secretary for Investment Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, and the Chair and MD of KPA, focused on the ongoing developments within the SEZ.
Mvurya detailed that the compensation process will address the needs of 1,648 project-affected persons, who will be allocated new land and receive support for its development.
The compensation will cover 430 acres of new land. KPA will lead this effort, ensuring the process is smooth and responsive to community grievances.
He emphasized the importance of developing essential horizontal infrastructure, including roads, water, and power stations.
The partnership with the Japanese Government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will contribute Sh58 billion towards this infrastructure, including a water pipeline from Tiwi to the SEZ.
Mvurya also revealed that the SEZ has attracted significant interest from investors, with 97 applications received.
Among these, three investors are set to finalize their processes this week.
Of the applications, 60 are from local investors, and the remainder from international entities.
Investment interests include automobile assembly, pharmaceuticals, the Blue Economy, and port operations enhancement.
Additionally, the CS highlighted the need for vocational training to equip the youth with essential skills for the SEZ.
A budget has been allocated for this purpose, in collaboration with local universities, to address key competencies required for the new economic opportunities.
Mombasa County Senator Mwinyi Haji Faki, representing coastal leaders, praised the vocational training initiative and called for transparency in the committees established to address disputes among local residents.
Elijah Odanga 
KTMN Reporter