MOMBASA, Kenya- The Mombasa Special Economic Zone is nearing take-off following significant progress in the construction of critical infrastructure at Dongo Kundu, Transport Principal Secretary Mohammed Daghar has said.
Daghar said major milestones had been achieved in the development of the port, electricity connections, road network and water utilities, laying the foundation for industrial investment in the region.
He spoke at the Kenya Ports Authority headquarters after receiving an implementation report from a technical committee overseeing the project.
“The Special Economic Zone is ready to take off as we finalise critical support infrastructure that will facilitate industrial development and enhance the ease of doing business,” Daghar said.
The Principal Secretary said construction of Dongo Kundu Berth One, a flagship component of the project, had reached 16 per cent.
The Sh41 billion facility is expected to be completed by December 2028.
Once operational, it will serve industries within the economic zone and help investors reduce production and logistics costs.
The first berth will be 300 metres long and is expected to pave the way for seven additional berths along the channel in subsequent phases.
Daghar said the government would monitor implementation through weekly reviews and monthly progress reports to ensure contractors meet the project timelines.
“The Dongo Kundu Port component is critical in facilitating regional trade, increasing export throughput and attracting more investors to the economic zone,” he said.
According to the Principal Secretary, 94 investors have expressed interest in establishing operations at the Dongo Kundu SEZ.
Four have started developing their facilities, including Taifa Gas, Milly Glass Limited and Afreximbank.
Construction of the Taifa Gas facility has reached 85 per cent.
The broader Dongo Kundu development covers 3,000 acres. Of this, 1,300 acres have been allocated to the Special Economic Zone, which is projected to attract significant investment and create an estimated 5,600 direct jobs when fully operational.
Another 700 acres have been designated for industrial and logistics activities, while 1,000 acres will accommodate residential settlements, social amenities and access roads.
Daghar earlier led representatives from several government agencies on an inspection tour of Berth One and investor facilities within the economic zone.
Kenya Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto said the authority remained committed to completing the project on schedule.
He said the berth would be connected to road and rail networks to support the seamless movement of cargo.
Dredging works are also underway to attain a depth of 15 metres, allowing the port facility to accommodate larger vessels and expand maritime operations.
Taifa Gas Project Manager Mohamed Rod said the company’s facility, described as one of the largest gas investments in the region, would be linked to the Dongo Kundu berths through a dedicated pipeline.
