President William Ruto has unveiled the first phase of Konza Technopolis, a world-class smart city set to redefine Kenya’s next digital revolution chapter.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, Ruto hailed the ambitious technology and science hub, as the foundation of a new Kenya built on innovation, technology and knowledge.
To further raise awareness for Kenyans to embrace the digital future, Ruto revealed that he has enrolled for artificial intelligence (AI) classes at the Open University of Kenya (OUK), which is based within the Technopolis.
“I have enrolled myself as a student of AI here at the Open University. We are building the largest digital learning institution in Kenya to democratise education and prepare our people for the opportunities of the digital age,” said Ruto.
The launch of Phase One is a major step towards the Konza dream, often dubbed Africa’s Silicon Savannah, which is set to be fully completed by 2030 at an estimated cost of about US$5.6bn (KSh 595.8 billion).
The first phase includes 40 kilometres of smart roads, 170 kilometres of utilities, a 120MW gas-insulated power substation, and Africa’s first solid waste collection and recycling plant capable of reclaiming 90 percent of used water.
The city will also house a Tier III National Data Centre, a Smart Operations Centre powered by AI to manage traffic and security, and the upcoming Konza Convention Centre.
These facilities are expected to attract tech giants, investors, and innovators from across Africa and beyond.
“Konza Technopolis represents the spirit of our new Kenya—innovative, forward-looking, and globally competitive,” Ruto said. “The investments we are witnessing today will transform Kenya into a digital powerhouse and create thousands of jobs for our youth.”
According to Konza Technopolis Development Authority CEO John Paul Okwiri, over 80 percent of Phase One investment parcels have already been allocated. The city is projected to generate 10 000 jobs by 2026 and 10 000 smart homes under the affordable housing plan.
Information and Communications cabinet secretary William Kabogo who calls Kenya’s priced innovation city Konza the future of African tech added that Konza’s infrastructure sets the stage for the East African country to lead the continent’s digital transformation.
“We are not just building a city, we are building the future,” as Ruto summed it up.
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