Likoni Member of Parliament Hon. Mishi Mboko has said more than 7,000 university students and young professionals set to benefit from the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project are undergoing training in different universities and colleges, including TVETs, ahead of the construction of the project.
Speaking during the launch of mangrove tree planting exercise yesterday at the Dongo Kundu Creek in Mteza area, Mishi hailed the programme as a key gateway for young professionals into multinational companies amid rising insecurity and youth unemployment in Likoni.
The MP also urged residents of Dongo Kundu, Mwangala, Mrongondoni, Kaya Mtongwe, Mbuta and Siji villages to impress the mangrove tree planting exercise as mangrove trees were crucial for environmental conservation particularly in carbon dioxide absorption, reduction of soil erosion, improvement of air and water quality and provision of habitat for wildlife.
The event which was also attended by Assistant county Comissioner for Likoni Emmanuel Kipkoech who also represented the DCC, Mathew Wambugu, was being implemented by Kishoka Youth CBO from Mtongwe and is set to plant over 10,000 mangrove trees along the earmarked areas.
Mishi encouraged more youth to join available Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges to equip themselves with relevant skills instead of wasting time in crime, as this was their chance to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Also in attendance were area chiefs, MCAs, officials from different non-governmental organisations and Kenya forest service officers
Hon. Mishi described the Dongo Kundu SEZ as one of the government’s flagship projects and critical in terms of creating employment opportunities, urging President William Ruto to move with speed and launch the project as the people of Likoni and Mombasa were already prepared to enjoy its benefits.
Mishi further encouraged more youth to join available Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges to equip themselves with relevant skills instead of waisting time in crime as this was their chance to build a better future for themselves and their families.
The $1 billion Dongo Kundu and Naivasha Special Economic Zones development lease agreement, which includes Dongo Kundu, was signed in Mombasa on February 28 this year .
According to the website of the president of Kenya, the agreement was intended to spur industrial growth and create jobs in Kenya.
In the country’s economic blueprint Kenya Vision 2030, the creation of Special Economic Zones in Mombasa, Lamu and Kisumu were identified as part of economic drivers to the economic pillar.
Dongo Kundu area, was identified as ideal for the development of the Mombasa Special Economic Zone.