The government is set to begin disbursing Sh1.4 billion in compensation for 1,648 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) under the Dongo Kundu special economic zone (SEZ) in Mombasa and Kwale counties.
A statement to newsrooms from the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry indicates that the compensation process is set to commence this week, as part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth implementation of the Dongo Kundu SEZ project.
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya confirmed that the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has successfully verified and streamlined the list of PAPs, adding that 400 acres of land have been allocated for the resettlement of the affected persons in order to ensure that their livelihoods are safeguarded.
“The compensation will begin this week, we have agreed to work together with relevant stakeholders to ensure that we unlock all the bottlenecks to ensure that this project comes to fruition,” stated Mvurya.
He reiterated that 97 investors have so far expressed interest in setting up operation within the 3,000 –acre SEZ with 60 percent of whom are local investors in sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and glass manufacturing which are among the industries expected to establish premises in the zone.
Mvurya called for coordinated efforts and policy harmonization to address any challenges and ensure the expedited realization of the critical economic projects.
The CS met with the leadership of Kenya Ports Authority, Chairperson Benjamin Tayari, LAPPSET, Chair Ali Mbogo and Special Economic Zones Authority, Chair Fredrick Mutete in Nairobi on Monday.
He announced that in a parallel effort to boost Kenya’s economic growth, the government will also gazette the Lamu Port South Sudan-Ethiopia corridor development Authority (LAPSSET) SEZ.
Additionally, he said that already, investors in the desalination, fish processing, and pharmaceutical sectors have expressed interest as the government aims to accelerate efforts to heighten investment and business activities in the region.
“The LAPSSET special economic zone is a new frontier for robust investment, which will contribute significantly to the sustainability and increased activity at the Lamu Port,” said Mvurya.
CS Mvurya reiterated the government’s stand against dormant investors who are hoarding licenses within SEZs. He warned that the special Economic Zones Authority will be reviewing the list of investors, with a possibility of revoking licenses.
“I firmly urge investors to toe the line within the six-month grace period, if not, the licenses will be repealed by the Authority,” he asserted.
By Sharon Atieno
