The Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) today launched the
infrastructure development for the first phase of the Konza Techno City.
The infrastructure development for the initial phase incorporates the construction
of a 4.2 km access road, built by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
Other infrastructure developments are the installation of power lines,
and the construction of water and sewage system within Konza Technopolis.
The launch of the first phase and the supporting infrastructure, which
is expected to take a total of four years, was presided the Deputy President,
Hon. William Ruto.
Speaking during the event, the Deputy President reiterated the Jubilee
Government’s commitment towards the construction of Konza Techno City.
“The implementation of Konza Techno
City, which is one of the key flagship projects of Vision 2030, will position the country as a leading ICT destination by leveraging and
expanding Kenya’s technology focused industries,” said Deputy President Ruto.
The Deputy President announced that a cabinet committee of
participating ministries has been constituted by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta
to fast track the development of infrastructure for Phase 1 of the Konza Techno
City.
Significant milestones that have been achieved so far by KoTDA include
hiring of the Master Delivery Partner 2 (MDP2), completion of the cadastral
survey, drilling and equipping of 7 boreholes, and installation of power lines.
Other
achievements include the approval by the
Attorney General of the Draft KoTDA Bill to expand the mandate of the Authority and approval design
drawings for the construction of an iconic Sales Pavilion by the Directorate of
Public Works.
On his part, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Cabinet Secretary
in the Ministry of ICT said: “The benefits of building this City far outweigh
the inherent risks and perceived challenges. The construction of Phase 1 will
cover 410 acres and is expected to create about 17,000 direct jobs upon
completion.”
Mr. John Ngumi, Chairman, KoTDA Board of Directors
said that the road infrastructure is an important cog of the City’s Master plan
as it will open up the area for construction of Phase 1 of the project.
Konza development puts the private sector at the center of its
execution with the government providing land, legal backing and approving
architectural plans. The government is also expected to build primary
infrastructure leading to and within the technopolis.
The Technopolis is expected to host various amenities including
research centres, a university complex, offices, commercial and residential
houses and parks. It is also expected to host foreign and local business
process outsourcing companies, a science park, a convention centre, hotels,
shopping malls, international schools and health facilities.
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