The government has taken a major step in its digital transformation journey, following the official commissioning of Konza Technopolis, a Vision 2030 flagship project that positions the country as Africa’s emerging hub for technology, innovation and sustainable urban development.
Presiding at the event, President Dr. William Ruto, described the milestone as a symbol of Kenya’s readiness to lead in digital transformation and knowledge-driven growth.
Ruto said the government’s investment in Konza reflects the nation’s determination to build a modern economy anchored on science, technology and innovation.
“This is no longer a dream to postpone, but a destiny to continue. The time has come for Kenya to rise in confidence, act with courage and take its rightful place among the great nations shaping the future,” he said.
Ruto recalled his first visit to the site in 2014, then as Deputy President, to commission the first phase of horizontal infrastructure, noting that what was once a bushland, has now transformed into a modern technology city.
“Many doubted that anything would come out of this project. Today, we can see what focus, consistency, and national commitment can deliver for our country,” he said.
The President said the completion of Phase One of the project, marks the beginning of Kenya’s journey towards building Africa’s smartest city, fully equipped with over 40 kilometres of modern road networks, 170 kilometres of integrated water and drainage systems and a six-kilometre underground utility tunnel carrying optic fibre, power and water lines.
He added that the 120-megawatt smart power substation, waste water recycling system and landscaped green corridors make Konza a model for sustainable urban living.
Ruto said the city’s Intelligent Operations Centre, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), is integrated with the national data centre to power more than 23,000 government services on the e-Citizen platform.
“Konza is now the heartbeat of Kenya’s digital government infrastructure. It is where innovation meets efficiency and where our future digital economy will be anchored,” he said.
The President further emphasized that Konza represents a new chapter in Kenya’s education and innovation ecosystem.
He said the Open University of Kenya, based at Konza, has enrolled 15,000 students from 70 countries and is projected to reach 100,000 learners by 2026.
“The Open University will become the largest institution of learning in our country, offering affordable online education to empower our youth and professionals,” said the President.
He revealed that he had personally enrolled in an Artificial Intelligence course at the university, saying leaders must understand emerging technologies.
“AI will change the way we govern, do business and educate our people. Kenya must not be left behind in this revolution,” he said.
Ruto said the government will continue to promote public-private partnerships to accelerate the construction of the Konza Convention Centre and supporting infrastructure.
“It is not the business of government to run hotels or convention facilities. We will engage the private sector to deliver these projects sustainably,” he said.
Ruto commended the partnership between the national and county governments, saying Kenya’s development agenda depends on unity of purpose.
“What we have achieved here at Konza is the result of teamwork. Kenya’s transformation will be built through collaboration and a shared national vision,” he said.
The President affirmed that Konza Technopolis will continue to serve as the benchmark for future urban and technological development across the country.
“Together, we are building a Kenya that is innovative, inclusive and globally competitive,” he said.
On his part, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy CS William Kabogo hailed president Rutos’s leadership, saying the success of Konza demonstrates Kenya’s ability to build a globally competitive digital economy.
“Your dream is coming true. By 2032, Konza will stand among the best technology cities, not only in Africa but globally,” said Kabogo, who proposed that the Cabinet holds one of its future meetings at Konza to give all ministries a firsthand look at the city’s potential.
At the same time, ICT and the Digital Economy PS Eng. John Tanui described the launch as a major success born of strong partnerships with international collaborators from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, China, and South Korea.
“It is a rare honour to help build a city of the future. Konza is the heart of Kenya’s digital transformation and a symbol of what innovation can achieve,” he said.
Housing, Lands and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome announced that the government had laid the foundation stone for 1,042 affordable housing units at Konza, with an additional 2,000 units set for construction under Phase Two.
Wahome said the development will create up to 1,000 jobs at full capacity and support the government’s target of 10,000 homes within the city.
“This project aligns with our vision of providing affordable, smart, and sustainable housing for Kenya’s growing urban population,” she said.
Makueni governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hailed the government for making the Konza vision a reality, saying the project was now a symbol of Kenya’s transformation.
“Mr. president, what you saw here in 2014 is now taking shape. The hardware is complete; now we must build the software, people and systems that will sustain it,” he said.
Mutula commended the national government for the recently passed Kenya Technopolis Bill, saying it would streamline operations and attract investments to the city.
The governor urged the President to continue advocating for Africa’s place in the global digital economy, especially on issues of data of sovereignty.
“As you have championed Africa’s voice on the global stage, we now ask you to lead the crusade for data sovereignty. Data is the new currency of the world and we must ensure Africa is not condemned to digital plantations,” he said.
Mutula said Makueni county is already attracting investors to the Konza Technopolis region, with one investor having already acquired six acres to set up a solar panel manufacturing plant, expected to employ 5,000 people by next year.
He called for more collaboration on renewable energy, saying Konza should be powered by clean energy sources.
“This region’s abundant sunshine gives us an opportunity to build Kenya’s first truly green city,” he said.
Konza Technopolis CEO, John Paul Okwiri, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support, affirming the agency’s readiness to lead Kenya’s transition to a digital economy.
“We have the passion, capacity and efficiency to deliver. Our goal is to make Konza the benchmark for every new technology framework the government adopts,” said Okwiri.
By Naif Rashid
