Konza Technopolis, 18th September 2024
In a strategic move to advance Nairobi County’s smart city initiatives, County Officers from Innovation and Digital Economy Sector visited Konza Technopolis in an aim to gather insights from Konza’s technological achievements and implement similar innovations in Nairobi County’s journey towards becoming a leading digital hub.
Ms. Elizabeth Ndung’u, County Director for Digital Economy and Startups, expressed her gratitude for Konza’s hospitality, noting the value of the lessons learned. “H.E Governor Sakaja’s vision for Nairobi County is for a smart city driven by strategic investments and innovative ICT projects. Konza’s achievements provide a valuable blueprint for us as we strive to improve urban services and boost our global competitiveness,” Ms. Ndung’u stated.
She also emphasized the potential for collaboration between Nairobi County and Konza Technopolis to drive further innovation and attract investment. “We see tremendous opportunities for joint initiatives that will enhance service delivery in Nairobi and create a dynamic business environment,” she added.
The visit began with a comprehensive presentation by Sales Manager, Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) Anna Wafula, who elaborated on the inception, development, and future trajectory of Konza Technopolis. Key highlights of her presentation included the integration of smart city technologies, the National Digital Master Plan, and the Digital Superhighway. This provided crucial context for the delegation’s exploration of Konza’s cutting-edge facilities.
The Nairobi delegation was divided into two groups. One group toured the Konza National Data Center, observing its Tier 3 certified infrastructure, which boasts state-of-the-art power redundancy systems, ensuring near-constant uptime. They also noted the stringent security measures, including restricted access, high-tech air conditioning, and fire suppression systems critical to maintaining data center operations.
The second group visited the Konza City housing project, gaining a panoramic view of the city’s urban development from a rooftop vantage point. This provided them with an overview of Konza’s long-term planning and urban infrastructure strategies.
The insights gained from the visit are expected to significantly influence Nairobi County’s approach to building smart city infrastructure, paving the way for improved public services, greater investment, and enhanced quality of life for its residents.
This collaboration aligns with Kenya’s broader Vision 2030, positioning Nairobi to become a digital hub in East Africa. The visit marks the beginning of deeper engagements between Nairobi County and Konza Technopolis, as Nairobi works to build a robust digital economy and a thriving smart city ecosystem.
End/..