Kenya seeks to expand a partnership with the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Cooperation (KIND), as the East African country looks to its next phase of infrastructure growth.
Yesterday, John Tanui, Kenya’s principal secretary: State Department for ICT and digital Economy, met Ji Hye Choi, MD, KIND Africa Office to discuss areas where KIND can support the East African country, including the development of modern and smart cities.
KIND is a South Korean government agency that supports countries to develop modern infrastructure and cities through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Tanui said this aligned well with Kenya’s plan to set up a new National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) to build more roads, energy projects, water systems and urban developments.
After the meeting, he said the NIF would help Kenya mobilise resources in a smarter way by bringing investors and partners on board through public-private partnerships (PPPs), instead of relying mainly on borrowing.
“This partnership (with KIND) can open new doors for job creation, innovation and modern infrastructure that connects and transforms our communities,” Tanui said.
In recent years, Kenya and South Korea have deepened their ICT ties through major projects and agreements, particularly centred around the Konza Technopolis development.
In a related development, on Monday, William Gitau, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, met Andile Ngcaba, the South African-born technology leader and investor.
The discussion centred on Kenya’s national connectivity programme and the role of the private sector in fast-tracking this.
The project comprises the roll out of 100 000 kilometres of fibre connectivity across the country, establishing 25 000 public Wi-Fi hotspots and digital hubs.
Ngcaba shared insights from projects implemented across Africa, highlighting the importance of local capacity building and community participation in the deployment and maintenance of digital infrastructure.
Gitau reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for private sector investment.
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