Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives led by the Chairperson Hon. James Gakuya, undertook an inspection visit of  the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Project. The Committee sought to understand the challenges experienced by the Dongo Kundu SEZ project, the progress on squatter settlement, the investors at the zone and their strategic plan.

The Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Moses Kuria and the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Investment Promotion, Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar joined the Committee in inspecting the project.

The Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kenneth Chelule took the delegation through the Dongo Kundu SEZ Master Plan and how the 3,000 acres had been apportioned.

Mr. Chelule said that the Ksh.6 Billion grant by the Japanese government will aid in the construction of the basic infrastructure, Administration Block and leveling artworks at the Free Port Area.

The SEZA CEO told the delegation that the Budget of Ksh.1.4Billion had been set aside to settle the squatters and that the plans are at an advanced stage by the National Land Commission to compensate them.

He said that the Dongo Kundu had been subdivided to accommodate the Free Port Area, Road Network, Water Distribution Centre, Enterprise Area and the Free Trade Zone. 

Speaking during the inspection, CS Hon. Moses Kuria affirmed to the Committee that  two investors; Taifa Gas Company and East African Tea Traders Association have already done ground breaking of their projects with the blessing of the Dongo Kundu Community.

Hon. Kuria urged SEZA  to work closely with the Trade Committee and pledged his full support to SEZA.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Gakuya appreciated the drive and commitment by Hon. Kuria in supporting the Special Economic Zones.