Investors Given Incentives in Konza Smart City
By Beatrice Kimani
The Principle Secretary (PS), ICT and Innovation, Mr. Jerome Ochieng, has said the government has provided incentives in Konza Technopolis to attract ICT investment in the techno city.
Speaking in Konza Technopolis at a Conference for financiers and investors, Mr. Ochieng said that the government has provided land, clean water and high voltage power connection to the city as incentives to attract investors and demonstrate commitment to the development of Konza Technopolis.
The PS said that 17 investors have been approved to establish different investments such as hospital, office buildings, research and innovation facilities, housing, schools and recreational facilities among others.
Mr. Ochieng said that roads infrastructure in the phase one of the project that measures 400 acres will be ready by 2022.
He said among the projects to be undertaken at the upcoming techno city comprises various housing units, industrial park, and life sciences institutions.
The PS noted that phase one of the project is expected to attract 30,000 residents, 7,500 knowledge workers and 16,700 other workers when it’s completed.
“For us to build a world class smart city, we need to leverage on the strengths and competencies of various organizations in the public and private sector as well countries in Africa and beyond,” said Mr Ochieng
He encouraged the private sector to invest in local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to reduce the cost of healthcare.
The PS said the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) building that will house the Authority headquarters and earlier investors and innovators is complete. He said KoTDA offices will move from Westland in Nairobi to the new complex in Konza City from next week.
He explained that an estimated at Ksh. 600 billion will be invested in Phase 1, by both government and private sector out of which the government will invest about 10% in the development of core infrastructure to facilitate investment by the private sector.
