Konza Technopolis Unveils Smart Technology Plan

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Konza City Technopolis is looking at developing its Phase 1 infrastructure through smart technology to reap the benefits of innovation and connectivity.

In a demonstration of expending technology to bridge infrastructure operations and improve service delivery to citizens, the Techno City has embarked on development of Phase 1 to world class smart city building standards using smart technology solutions.

Eng. John Tanui, Konza Technopolis Development Authority Chief Executive Officer, said smart concepts will be designed into the City using state-of-the-art internet and telecommunications networks to enhance on the city’s efficiency and integrate infrastructure and services.

Speaking at the on-going Connected East Africa in Kwale County, he said Konza City will use a single converged Internet Protocol (IP) network as the platform to plan, build, and manage day-to-day city operations.

KoTDA sponsored the KONZA ICT Innovation Awards at the Connected East Africa Summit. There were 586 applications narrowed down to 6 category finalist. Applications were received from the – US, Germany, Egypt, UK and Ethiopia.

“The Konza IP network will allow for significant new efficiencies in every aspect of life within Konza, enhancing productivity, improving availability of and access to public services,” said Eng. Tanui.

“Smart technology in Konza City will be integrated in Transportation Operations, Sanitary Collection, Treatment & Re-use Operations, Storm Drainage Operations, Water System Operations, Electrical System, E-Governance Data Centers, Security Parking and Informational Signage Landscaping,” he added.

Eng. Tanui further noted that the smart technology integration was benchmarked from best practices of smart cities globally and will create “added value by improving efficiency, enhancing economic potential, reduced costs, opening the door to new business and services, and improving the living conditions of Konza City citizens.”

Additionally, the Techno City will harbor the Konza Campus, a shared ICT platform for education systems for both local and international universities. Excellent ICT infrastructure poised to make Konza City an e-government commerce giant targeted at government agencies and the private sector would vastly improve efficiency and citizen services through cloud-based IT infrastructure.
Kenya's leading ICT players are expected to form the bulk of pioneer investors and partners in Konza, with good interest registered by telecom operators and leading banks to locate their data centres and other ICT investments in Konza

“KoTDA is keen to work and partner with other stakeholders to improve the innovation space in the country,” said Eng. Tanui while urging the private sector and government agencies to take advantage of the Konza techno ecosystem by locating their new investments in Science and Technology in Konza City.
Further, Eng. John Tanui said the Authority is confident the legal and legislative approvals will accelerate the Technopolis progress.

According to Eng. Tanui, a tremendous opportunity lies in recent passing of key bills such as the Public Private Partnership bill into law which will “be a major contributor to easing budgetary constraints on social expenditure, directly enabling the Government to broaden and deepen balanced development while  developing the techno City’s infrastructure in affordable and sustainable ways.”

Upon completion of Phase 1, Konza City is expected to create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. The Technopolis is expected to host various amenities including ICT research centres, a university complex, offices, residential houses and parks. The city will be implemented as a public private partnership, in which the Government will take a minimal role, developing the public infrastructure and regulatory guidelines.

The Government of Kenya in 2014, through the Konza Technology City Development Authority (KOTDA), signed a 5-year Master Delivery Partner 2 (MDP2) Agreement with a consortium led by major international civil engineering firm Tetra Tech (Denver, USA) to develop the 400-acre Phase 1 of Konza Technology City.

MDP2 is assisting KOTDA with the roll-out of on-site public infrastructure and the leasing of serviced land to developers and tenants. MDP2 will also create a strong brand for the project and enhance KOTDA’s management capacity.