Months after the collapse of the DP World deal, the Dubai-based shipping company has shown renewed interest in investing in Kenya’s port sector. On February 28, DP World revealed plans to invest in the Dongo Kundu SEZ in Mombasa.
The firm is currently conducting feasibility studies before proceeding to develop the SEZ. If satisfied with the results of the study, DP World is set to embark on a motor vehicle import business for local, transit and transhipment markets.
The news of DP World’s renewed interest in Kenya’s port sector comes months after President William Ruto-led government accused the Dubai-based shipping company of trying to take over port operations in the country.
In June 2022, the company applied for concession licences to take over key ports and logistics facilities in Mombasa, Lamu and Kisumu.
Kenya Kwanza principals opposed the move, citing it as unconstitutional and shrouded in secrecy. The then Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani assured the Kenya Kwanza coalition that everything was done according to the law, but the deal collapsed shortly before the 2022 general elections.
Now, DP World is back in the picture with its plans to invest
