Government Announces Compensation for Dongo Kundu Project Affected Residents
Trade and Investments Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Principal Secretary for Investment Abubakar Hassan Abubakar addressing the media on the compensation of Dongo Kundu Project Affected Persons
By Aoma Keziah,
Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Salim Mvurya, has announced that the government will begin compensating 1,648 residents Project Affected Persons (PAPs) under the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mombasa and Kwale Counties. The compensation process is set to commence this week, marking a significant step forward in addressing the concerns of those displaced by the development project.
Speaking after a harmonization meeting with the leaderships of Kenya Ports Authority led by its Chair Benjamin Tayari in Nairobi, Mvurya Confirmed that the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has successfully verified and streamlined the list of PAPs. Additionally, 400 acres of land have been allocated for the resettlement of the affected persons, ensuring 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,” Mvurya stated .
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that the affected residents receive fair compensation.
“We are pleased to announce that after thorough verification and valuation processes, the compensation for the 1,648 residents will begin this week. This project is crucial for the region’s economic development, and we want to ensure that those who were displaced are duly compensated.” He noted
The Dongo Kundu SEZ, a flagship project aims to transform the coastal region into a major industrial and logistics hub. However, its development has led to the displacement of several communities, raising concerns about the livelihoods of those affected.
CS Mvurya assured that the compensation package has been carefully calculated to reflect the true value of the affected properties, including land, homes, and other assets. He also noted that the government has engaged all relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency and fairness in the process.
“We have worked closely with the National Land Commission (NLC) and other key stakeholders to ensure that the compensation process is thorough and equitable. This is not just about financial compensation; we are also looking at ways to support the resettlement and livelihood restoration of the affected families.” Mvurya added.
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. 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 SEZ is a new frontier for robust Investment, which will contribute significantly to the sustainability and increased activity at the Lamu Port.
He further reiterated the government’s stand against dormant investors who are hoarding licenses within the SEZs. He warned that the special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) will be reviewing 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.
The compensation process is expected to take several weeks, with residents receiving payments in phases. The government has set up a dedicated team to oversee the process and address any concerns that may arise.
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The Mt Kenya Times 
