Konza Techno City Investors Conference, Nairobi, 07 - 08 August 2012

K enya, through Vision 2030 recognizes ICT as a foundation for a knowledge economy. The Government has proposed to set up the first government supported Technology Park at Konza, which is part of the Vision 2030 Flagship Programmes. The Government through the Ministry of Information and Communication is set to break ground for the construction of Konza Technology City, the first Smart City of its kind in Kenya and in Sub Sahara Africa. The Tech city will host BPO Park, Science Park, Convention center, mega mall, hotels, international schools, and world class hospitals, Championships Golf Course, Financial District, High Speed Mass Transportation and Integrated Infrastructure.

The main partners are:

- Ministry of Information and Communication

- Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology

- Ministry of Planning and Vision 2030

- Ministry of Finance

- Ministry of Lands

- Kenya ICT Board

- Kenya Private Sector

The main objective of developing an ICT park is to serve as an enabler to wealth and job creation as well as being an avenue to provide the necessary environment to attract investment. The park will also facilitate business activity within and outside the country, reinforce efficient linkages between the private and public sector, promote the acquisition and usage of ICT in the country and promote good ICT governance. The Smart City will open up a world of opportunities and facilitate success through a thoughtful environment and intelligent infrastructure with advanced support systems. It is part of a wider scheme to position Kenya as the region's technology hub, using development to entice more companies to set up base in the country.

As part of the Government's effort to popularize the initiative, the Ministry of Information and Communications is organising a two-day Konza Techno City Investor's Conference on 07 - 08 August in the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi. Presenters in the conference will be drawn from government, universities, private sector and invited international guests. Prof. Crispus Kiamba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology will present on "Konza Techno City Human Capacity Preparedness".

The theme of the event is "Creating investment opportunities to enable Kenya to become a middle-income country by 2030". This conference aims to bring together 500 local and international investors to discuss financing models for Konza Techno City, best practice cases, amongst other issues. For more information visit: http://www.konzacity.co.ke

This article was prepared by Dr. E. Mwangi and Mr. Jacob K. Njagih, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MOHEST), Kenya.