Kenya's ambitious Konza Technopolis project seeks to establish the East African nation as a leader in technology and innovation across the continent.

Kenya's Konza Technopolis, a sprawling project aiming to transform into a smart city, is betting on information technology (ICT) and innovation to propel the country to the forefront of Africa's tech scene.

Launched in 2012, the project has become a cornerstone of Kenya's Vision 2030 national development plan, with the government backing its development in partnership with the World Bank's International Finance Corporation.

It is led by John Paul Okwiri, a seasoned procurement and supply chain executive, through the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA).

The project envisions a world-class city powered by a thriving ICT sector, robust infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies. It aims to attract businesses in outsourcing, software development, data centers, disaster recovery, call centers, manufacturing, and light assembly.

Konza Technopolis also fosters innovation through initiatives like the Jitume program, which equips young people with digital skills and access to services to leverage technology for job creation. In 2024, it will host the 41st world conference of IASP, a global network of innovation ecosystems.

The project has already generated 17,000 jobs and hosted events like the 2020 Africa Digital Influencer Awards (ADIA20). It was also recognized for excellence in smart city development at the 2023 Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA).

Melchior Koba