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| Konza - Africa's Silicon Savannah |
Konza is part of the Kenyan government's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative to improve much-neglected Technology infrastructure over the next 18 years. It will take 20 years to build Konza Technology City about 60km (37 miles) from the capital, Nairobi.
Last week, Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki launched the $14.5bn (£9.1bn) Konza project, saying that "It is expected to spur massive trade and investment as well as create thousands of employment opportunities for young Kenyans in the ICT [information communications technology] sector." He also added that it would be a "game-changer" for the country's development.
The President called on domestic and foreign investors to take advantage of Konza's "tremendous opportunities".
The components of Konza Technology City include:
- Modern Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) Park (Flagship)
- Science Park
- Convention Center
- Mega Mall
- Data Centres
- World-class Hotels
- Local and International Schools
- World Class Hospitals
- Championship Golf Course
- Financial District
- High Speed Mass Transport System
- Residential Housing
- Superior Modern Integrated Infrastructure, Roads, Sewer, electricity and Telecommunications networks and Integrated security system, among other features
The government has appointed the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KOTDA) headed by John Ngumi, an Investment Banker, to oversee the building of the IT hub, which will be built in four phases - starting with the technology centres first.
