Kenya, Korea launch third Konza Technopolis project

By Moses Muli

Published: March 6,2024 6:46 PM(EAT)

It will focus on Smart farm, incubation complex and set up a renewable energy strategy.

The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology has launched the third-year projects of the Konza Technopolis Program with support of the government of Korea.

Konza Technopolis Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) is conducted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Korea through Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) which had launched four projects to speed up the development of the program.

The launch was attended by ICT PS John Tanui, Konza Board chair Raphael Munavu, KOTRA Director Park Chul and acting Ambassador of Korea, Nam Sang Kyoo.

Speaking while presiding over the launch on Tuesday, ICT Principal Secretary John Tanui noted that the program was envisioned in 2021.

“I today launched the Konza Technopolis (EIPP) third year projects which was envisioned in 2021. This is a new and extended cooperation model of its predecessor, the Knowledge Sharing Program, that started in 2015,”Tanui said.

“Our longstanding partnership with Korea has been instrumental in various sectors such ICT, infrastructure development, healthcare, water and education.”

Konza Board chair Raphael Munavu said during the launch ceremony that the project will focus on three economic areas.

“The 3rd year of the EIPP program will cover the following areas: establishment of a Smart farm, establishment of an incubation complex, and development of a renewable energy strategy,”  Munavu said.

PS Tanui went ahead to say the Konza Technopolis project aligns with Kenya’s Digital Transformation Agenda to digitize government operations.

“This aligns with Kenya’s commitment to transforming into a digital economy with flagship projects like 100,000 Kms fiber optic infrastructure development, setting up 1450 innovation hubs and providing 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country,” Tanui said.

The EIPP model established industrial clusters and developed a smart city in the last two years.

It created the Konza Digital Media City and Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology which have grown the country’s technological knowledge and skills.

The initiatives, PS Tanui said, are aimed at empowering the youth and enhancing accessibility to services through automation and digitization of government services.

The Konza Technopolis is one of the proficient technological projects in Kenya which was Kenya’s flagship project for Vision 2030.

Last year, it was recognized for excellence in Smart City Development at the Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA).

Konza was highlighted as a beacon of excellence in addressing climate challenge.