The Kenya government today received 3 final reports from Korea’s Development Cooperation Office (KOTRA) covering 3 major projects in Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KOTDA). The 3 reports covered under the 3 years Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP), covered the establishment of a smart farm in Konza Smart City, the establishment of an Incubation Complex and the Renewable Energy Strategy for Konza Technopolis.
“I wish to laud the partnership progress between our two countries that predates independence time and built over the years. We are proud to note the support received from Korea in ICT to Industrial Technology, road infrastructure to Health and water projects to Education,” Eng. John Tanui, the Principal Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy said.
This partnership, which has flourished under the broader framework of the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP), is a testament to the strong ties between Kenya and South Korea. Our shared vision of innovation, technology, and infrastructure development has brought about impactful results, particularly through the development of Konza Technopolis – Africa’s Silicon Savannah, he added.
Through the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP), the EIPP identified 10 projects to support the development of Konza Technopolis over 3 years, starting 2021.
“Today we are proud to mark another major milestone for EIPP as we present the last 3 final projects reports,” Dr Park Chul Ho, the Director General of the Development Cooperation Office (KOTRA) said. These projects which we have jointly worked together with Konza Technopolis are valued at $1 billion.
One of the projects, the Konza-Nairobi Corridor Transport Network, the proposed dualling of the Machakos turn-off to Emali, covered in the second year of the program, has now moved to the procurement stage, expected to commence construction in early 2025.
Similarly, the Konza Digital Media City, a top-tier media hub received $284 million for its construction. This financing agreement was signed in June during President Willam Ruto’s visit to Korea for the Korea – Africa summit.
In the 2021/22 phase the following 3 projects were approved for implementation; establishment of Konza Technopolis Smart City Masterplan, the establishment of an Integrated Control Center and establishment of Transportation Network & Smart Mobility Basic Plan. In 2022/23 period; the following projects were covered; Preliminary Feasibility Study for an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and Integrated Control Centre, Consultation for Establishment of a Startup Ecosystem at Konza Technopolis, Consultation for the Establishment of Smart Logistics in Konza Technopolis and Consultation of Masterplan for transport network development on the Konza-Nairobi Corridor Transport Network.
“These projects we are supporting are meant to support Kenya leap forward in terms of smart technology across the various spectrum,” Nam Sang Kyoo, Acting Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Kenya said.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce that we have completed the implementation of these projects. Through the EIPP, we have witnessed the dynamic exchange of knowledge, innovative ideas and valuable resources between KoTDA and KOTRA. Our collaborative efforts have yielded tangible and transformative outcomes. As we look ahead, our journey continues with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm,” said Prof. Raphael Munavu, Chairman of Konza Technopolis.