Cabinet Secretary Investments, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya has announced that Sh1.4 billion has been set aside to hasten the Dongo-Kundu Special Economic Zone compensation process.
This is for persons affected by the project to ensure the land is available for investment opportunities promptly.
Mvurya said KPA as an implementing agency has already been funded with Sh1.4 billion to conclude the compensation programme by next month.
He spoke during his progress update meeting for implementing agencies of the Mombasa Special Economic Zone (Dongo-Kundu) at Kenya Ports Authority headquarters.
Kwale and Mombasa governors, various government agencies, Principal Secretary for Investment Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Chair and MD of KPA were in attendance.
Mvurya said the process will take place on two fronts; 1648 project-affected persons will be allocated land and supported to develop their new areas.
The CS said the land to be compensated is 430 acres and KPA will provide the leadership to make sure that the process is run smoothly while also dealing with the people’s grievances.
“One of the most important things is the development of the horizontal infrastructure; roads, water and also power stations,” he said.
Mvurya said the partnership with Japan will have the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) fund Sh58 billion in the setting up of the infrastructure including piping water from Tiwi to the Special Economic Zone.
“Right now we have received 97 applications from investors who want to be licensed to set up camp in the Special Economic Zone.
"So far 3 investors want to set up this week as their process is being finalised,” Mvurya said.
He said 60 of the received investment applications are local and the rest from international investors.
Addressing the classification of investors, the CS said there are diverse interests some aiming to invest in automobile assembly, and pharmaceutical sectors, while others are focused on opportunities in the Blue Economy.
"There are those who seek collaboration with the Port to enhance its operations and capabilities, " he said.
He said they have agreed that throughout the implementation of the Special Economic Zone, a set of new skills is needed.
On this, he said a budget has been set aside for vocational training so that the youth can be trained on the basic skills and also work with local universities when focusing on the key competencies that are required in the Special Economic Zone.
Mombasa Senator Mwinyi Haji Faki on behalf of coastal leaders said the vocational training will h of have a great impact on the Coastal youth.
He called for transparency in the committees that have been established to address disputes among the local residents on matters currently under review.
