Construction of Dongo Kundu free port to start soon

By Willis Oketch

The long awaited development of free port at Dongo Kundu in Mombasa is set to start in the next two months.

Transport Assistant Minister, Hassan Joho, said the Government has set aside funds for the Sh26 billion project that seeks to establish a 24 hour port operated on the lines of the Dubai Free Port concept.

The project also includes construction of a 19-kilometre road and bridge project to open up the South Coast— which has been relying in the Kenya Ferry Services.

Joho cautioned the local community against introducing partisan politics in the project as it will create job opportunities and other economical activities in the town.

Improve transport

Joho was speaking on Friday while touring the area where Japanese Government is preparing to start construct a bridge linking South and North main land at Miritini.

“The bridge will link the southern and northern mainland. It will also make transport between Mombasa and South Coast easier,” said Joho.

He said the Government had secured loan to be used in the completion of the project, which would have impact on economic and social development of the locals .

Kenya Ports Authority Habour and Operation General Manager Captain Twalib Khamis and KPA board Chairman Mr Baramadi Shukri accompanied Joho.

Khamis said KPA had 3,000 acres, which has been reserved for the free port to expand the current capacity of the port of Mombasa in line with the goals of Vision 2030.