A new, government sponsored, bill before the National Assembly is seeking to replace Konza Development Authority with Technopolis Development Authority.
- The Bill seeks to establish Technopolis across the country, envisioned as hubs for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship that will drive the country towards achieving its long-term development goals.
- It mirrors models observed in USA’s Silicon Valley, South Korea’s Daedeok Innopolis and Finland’s ecosystem12 which underscores their government’s commitment intervention in cultivating innovation ecosystems that can compete on a global scale.
- During recent debate in the Parliament, mover of the bill, John Kiarie (Dagoretti South MP) and Chair of the committee on Communication Information and Innovation emphasized the transformative nature of the Bill, highlighting the potential for multiple Technopolises beyond Konza, the current flagship project.
If the bill becomes law, the Technopolis Development Authority will be tasked with the responsibility to build smart cities similar to Konza Technopolis in different regions of the country.
Besides controlling land around all the Technopolis, the authority will also allocate land to investors, establish governance structures, host strategic government infrastructure including data centers and undertake investment in a Technopolis either by itself or through partnerships.
Huawei Technologies Kenya, Association of Countrywide innovation hubs, Sote hub and Viscar Industrial Capacity Limited have supported the new bill.
“As we speak today, Konza remains the only Technopolis in Kenya, but with this Bill, we can pave the way for similar hubs across the country. From Wajir to Mandera, Kisii to Tharaka. We can establish these innovation hubs to drive technological growth and economic development,” stated Kiarie.
The Bill, which contains 65 clauses, aims to transition the Konza Technopolis Development Authority into the broader Technopolis Development Authority, removing the geographical limitation previously tied to Konza. “This is about turning a good idea into an even better one. By removing ‘Konza’ from the title, we open the door for the establishment of other Technopolises beyond Konza,” he added.
The Bill also proposes the revocation of the 2012 Konza Technopolis Authority Order, a move welcomed by various Members of Parliament. Irene Mayaka (Nominated MP) seconded the Motion, stressing the importance of expanding Technopolis development to other regions in the country.
“The beauty of this Bill is that it provides the legal framework to establish, manage, and develop Technopolises across the country, addressing the urban challenges we face. No longer will everyone need to flock to Konza for opportunities—we can bring the opportunities to them,” stated Irene Mayaka while seconding.
In support of the Bill, Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South) emphasized the potential for the Technopolis Development Authority to enhance ICT infrastructure and create opportunities for the youth, especially through the establishment of ICT hubs.
“We are bringing three ICT hubs to my constituency this year alone, and the youth will benefit greatly. We have to support the infrastructure and policies needed to make Kenya a leader in the IT sector in East and Central Africa. This authority will help guide us in preparing for technological advancements like AI,” said Mawathe.
