In 2008, the Kenya government launched Vision 2030 an ambitious economic development blueprint aimed at transforming Kenya into an industrialized, middle-income state. One of the core projects of the Vision 2030 was the development of Konza Technology City, a technology hub dubbed the African Silicon Valley or Silicon Savannah. The Technology City’s ground-breaking ceremony took place in 2013, with projects set to take place in four to five year phases. During his vetting, newly appointed ICT ministry Cabinet Secretary promised to fast track the project even suggesting that state broadcaster KBC moves some of its equipment there.
The government also established the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) as a special purpose entity to facilitate the development of Konza, which is located 60 kilometers south of Nairobi. In addition, the authority will oversee the management of the city as well as create value propositions for business to locate and expand in Konza City. During the 2015/16 budget read last year, the government allocated Kshs. 800 Million to the authority to allow it fast track projects. The City also got a new CEO in John Tanui, who was formerly of Huawei Technologies.
In an update, the CEO says construction of the City’s first building is slated to start in March 2016. The building is set to cost Kshs. 1.2 Billion and will host KOTDA offices as well as commercial and residential buildings. The Authority has further issued expression of interest for the construction of schools, with bids coming in. Construction of the offices will be part of the first Phase, set to cover 60 acres of land and will include 4 kilometers of road through the City. The city is already connected to electricity and power. Other projects earmarked in the first phase are hotels and data centers.
