The Kenyan government is still pursuing its Konza Technopolis dream and has announced that the Phase One section- sitting on 400 acres of land, has attracted over 40% uptake by investors.
The government is now working on necessary infrastructure on-site such as roads, electricity among others to be completed by end of 2021.
At the same time, the project’s anchor investor Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) will begin work in earnest in early 2021 following identification of a contractor and approval. The graduate school will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
This was revealed today morning during a networking breakfast organised by the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA). The meeting brought together investors who have already signed up to take space within the Technopolis.
While speaking during the event, Principal Secretary ICT, Innovation & Youth Affairs, Mr. Jerome Ochieng said: “So far, we are happy to note that the project has realised more than 40% uptake, some of the investors expected to break ground include hospitals, real estate developers and institutions of higher learning, government agencies such as National Construction Authority and KETRACO (Kenya Electricity Transmission Company) among others.”
The National Construction Authority (NCA) is also in the process of setting up a Centre of Excellence for the country’s construction industry and the construction of the project will soon kick off, the PS added.
Speaking at the same event, Sosian Energy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shaun Nzambuni said the company, which is one of the pioneer investors in Konza is providing solar power and waste power which will lower cost of power and cost of doing business at Konza Technopolis.
“Konza is going to lead ICT development. It is going to be a centre of expertise in the decades to come. The initiative taken by the Government some years ago is an excellent development for the country and we are proud Sosian is part of it. We are confident we will be able to provide significant energy savings for the people who invest in Konza City,” Mr Nzambuni.
On his part, CEO of GS1 Kenya, Mr. Peter Otieno which offers globally acceptable numbers for barcodes said the organization plans to set up at Konza Technopolis in 2021. He lauded the project, terming it a thoughtful and great innovation.
PS Ochieng’ urged investors from both the private and the public sector to consider taking up the investment opportunities early enough, adding that partnering with investors will boost the country’s efforts towards realization of the Konza dream.
He mentioned that some opportunities that are available for investment at the Technopolis include Smart Manufacturing, Light Industry Logistics, Smart Agriculture, Property development, ICT & IT Enabled services, Pharmaceutical services, Education & training institutions, Hotels & Convention Centres, Entertainment, recreation and sports facilities, Business enterprises among others.
KoTDA CEO, Eng. John Tanui indicated that the development of the infrastructure is on course. This includes street-scape and sub-surface utilities, drainage facilities, water supply distribution system, waste water collection and reclamation facilities, electrical power supply, public parks, and public facilities.
