Trade ministry is seeking to streamline land allocation processes at the 3000 acres Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mombasa County.
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said there has been irregular transfer of a parcel of land from the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), a move which has slowed manufacturing investments the zone targets to attract.
“Can you imagine you have a manufacturer who is ready and the only thing that is delaying them is a decision on land allocation at Dongo Kundu. I will take that up with utmost speed so that it is resolved and we minimise the delay,” said Miano.
She stressed the need to attract manufacturers and the processes should be faster, efficient and smooth devoid of delays that will discourage manufacturers.
“It is a wakeup call that even if there are changes in government departments it must be smooth with minimal delays,” said the CS when she toured the Milly glass manufacturing factory in Mombasa.
Miano expressed her satisfaction with the success of the glass-making factory that manufactures glasses for local use and exports 25pc of their production thus supporting foreign exchange.
Manufacturing is in line with the Kenya Kwanza government manifesto to promote local manufacturing.
“They employ about 550 employees which is very good for the economy of the country and getting jobs for our people. They use local materials from local farmers and there is traceability,” said CS Miano.
Admittedly the CS said the cost of production is one of the major challenges facing local manufacturers promising to lead a national dialogue to reduce it.
She added that the only way to increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from manufacturing is through addressing challenges being raised by manufacturers.
The factory plans to shift to the Dongo Kundu SEZ in January 2024 and the plant is to be operationalized by 2025.
“We are going to work with the government in making sure by the year 2030 the GDP of manufacturing is 20pc as per the directive of the President,” said Rashid.
He added the cost of energy has been a major issue but they look at it as a challenge of coming up with alternative sources of energy like solar.
