Konza Technopolis is fast cementing its place as Kenya’s leading smart city, with the government declaring it ready to attract both local and international investors.
This emerged during Episode 23 of “Sema na Spox: Bonga na Gava,” where Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura hosted Konza Technopolis Development Authority CEO John Paul Okwiri to outline key developments at the innovation hub.
Mwaura said Konza is central to Kenya’s development agenda, emphasising that the project goes beyond infrastructure to unlocking opportunities for investment, innovation, and job creation.
“Konza Technopolis represents a critical pillar in our country’s growth, opening doors for investors while creating meaningful opportunities for Kenyans,” he said.
Okwiri affirmed that the technopolis is fully ready for investment, backed by world-class infrastructure and a “live, work and play” model designed to support business growth and sustainable urban living.
“We want to assure both local and international investors that Konza is ready. The infrastructure is in place and the ecosystem is designed to support innovation and enterprise,” he noted.
At the heart of Konza’s progress is the Konza National Data Center, a Tier III facility certified to international standards.
Okwiri described it as the only one of its kind in Kenya and across Eastern and Central Africa. “This data centre provides a secure and reliable environment for cloud computing, data storage, and processing, positioning Kenya as a leader in digital transformation,” he said.
He added that Konza has been licensed to host the National Drone Corridor, enabling advanced drone testing and operations.
“This facility allows testing beyond visual line of sight and is supported by an unmanned traffic management system to ensure safe and efficient operations,” Okwiri explained.
On industrial growth, he pointed to the ongoing development of the Export Processing Zone, projected to create up to 10,000 jobs.
“We are focusing on manufacturing for export, including solar panels and textiles, with significant investment already committed,” he said.
Okwiri also urged government agencies to embrace digital transformation by leveraging the Konza National Data Center.
“Adopting cloud-based solutions will enhance efficiency, strengthen data security, and improve service delivery across institutions,” he added.
The developments highlighted during the programme underscore Konza’s growing role as a hub for investment, technology, and industrial growth, positioning Kenya to compete more effectively in the global digital economy while creating jobs and expanding opportunities for its citizens.
