A total of 1,648 people affected by the construction of Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mombasa and Kwale counties are set to get a compensation of Kes1.4 billion from the government.

CS Salim Mvurya has announced that the government is set to disburse Ksh1.4 billion towards Project Affected Persons (PAPs) beginning this week as part of the government's commitment to ensuring the smooth implementation of the programme. 

“We have agreed to work together with relevant stakeholders to ensure that we unlock all the bottlenecks to have the project come to fruition,” noted Mr Mvurya.

Already, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has verified and streamlined the list of PAPs.

The CS made this announcement on Monday after holding a meeting with KPA Board Chairman, Benjamin Tayari, Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project chairman Ali Mbogo, and Special Economic Zones Authority chairma Fredrick Mutete.

“Additionally, 400 acres of land have been allocated for the resettlement of the affected persons, ensuring that their livelihoods are safeguarded,” he added.

Currently, 97 investors have  expressed interest in setting up operations within the 3,000-acre SEZ, out of which 60 per cent are residents the other 40 per cent are international investors.

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 Players in energy, pharmaceuticals, and glass manufacturing sectors are among the industries expected to establish premises in the zone.

Meanwhile, investors in the desalination, fish processing, and pharmaceutical sectors have shown interest as the government moves to accelerate efforts to heighten investment and business activities in the region.

The LAPSSET SEZ is meant to boost the sustainability and increased activity at the Lamu Port. The government will also gazette the LAPSSET SEZ to boost Kenya's economic growth.

However, the CS cautioned  dormant investors who are hoarding licenses within the SEZs, saying  that the Special Economic Zones Authority will soon review the list of investors, with the possibility of revoking licenses.

“I firmly urge investors to tow the line within the six-month grace period. If not, the licenses will be repealed by the authority,” he asserted.

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