Kenya Ports Authority is accelerating preparations for the construction of Dongo Kundu Berth DK1, convening a high-level forum with chief executives representing key segments of the Mombasa port ecosystem. Managing Director Capt. William Ruto hosted the session, framing it as part of a sustained commitment to transparent dialogue with industry partners before major infrastructure works begin on the berth—a cornerstone element of the Mombasa Special Economic Zones masterplan.
The Dongo Kundu SEZ spans 3,000 acres of coastal land and is architected to combine multiple economic zones under a unified framework: a free port regime, dedicated industrial parks, free trade areas, logistics and warehousing hubs, energy infrastructure, tourism facilities, and MICE venues. The project is positioned as Kenya's anchor for positioning Mombasa as the premier trade and logistics corridor for Eastern and Central Africa, with the berth infrastructure providing essential maritime access for the broader zone.
Capt. Ruto pointed to the Port Community forum mechanism as a proven vehicle for improving coordination across shippers, logistics providers, terminal operators, and regulatory bodies. He told assembled CEOs that since the framework was implemented, the port has recorded visible advances in how these groups interact, with the forums becoming indispensable platforms for resolving operational friction before it escalates. The Managing Director reiterated KPA's pledge to address community concerns before construction commences on DK1.
Likoni Deputy County Commissioner Mathews Wambugu attended the briefing and praised KPA's continued outreach to local communities. He highlighted the project's significance in catalyzing industrial expansion and creating employment opportunities across the coastal region, noting that the benefits must extend to residents living near the SEZ footprint. KPA also used the gathering to appeal to CEOs to champion youth enrollment in vocational training programs it sponsors—initiatives designed to build a pipeline of skilled labor matched to anticipated SEZ workforce demands.