Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently convened a crucial meeting with a technical team to address the bottlenecks hindering the operationalisation of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mombasa County. The project, one of the flagship initiatives of Kenya’s Vision 2030, has faced significant delays over the years due to a series of legal, policy, and operational challenges.
During Thursday’s session, Kindiki was briefed on the progress made following an initial meeting with the team last week. Key issues discussed included delays in the compensation process for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and challenges in attracting investors to the zone. The technical team noted that while the process of compensation has been slow, efforts to engage investors have proven to be a significant hurdle.
One of the notable aspects of the meeting was the update on taxation issues, which the team assured Kindiki had been successfully addressed by the National Treasury. This development is seen as a crucial step in paving the way for the SEZ’s smooth operation.
Kindiki reiterated the Kenya Kwanza administration’s strong commitment to the Dongo Kundu SEZ, emphasizing its pivotal role in the country’s economic transformation. He referred to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as “game changers” that are integral to revitalising value chains, boosting industrialisation, and promoting import substitution. The Deputy President assured that the lingering issues affecting the operationalisation of Dongo Kundu would be tackled swiftly to unlock the full potential of the project.
The Dongo Kundu SEZ spans 3,000 acres and is planned to incorporate various developments such as a free port, industrial parks, free trade zones, logistics and warehousing, energy project areas, and even tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Originally managed by the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), the project was transferred to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), marking a shift in its oversight and strategic direction.
Thursday’s meeting was attended by key figures, including Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, and Principal Secretaries for Investments, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Devolution, Teresia Mbaika, and Cabinet Affairs, Salim Dokota. Other attendees included CEOs from Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Investments Authority, and the Special Economic Zones Authority, among others. The involvement of senior government officials underscores the importance of the Dongo Kundu SEZ to Kenya’s economic future.
With renewed focus and concerted effort from all stakeholders, the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone could soon become a cornerstone of Kenya’s industrialisation and trade growth, helping to drive the country closer to its Vision 2030 goals.
