Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city project under Vision 2030, is gearing up for a major milestone as Phase One nears full completion and readiness for commissioning.
The Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) confirmed on Wednesday that the core infrastructure for Phase One, covering around 400 acres, is now substantially complete, paving the way for investors to begin operations within the city.
Phase One includes roads, water and sewer systems, power distribution, data networks, and public utilities designed to international smart city standards. According to KoTDA, over 80% of the horizontal infrastructure, including paved roads, drainage, and street lighting, has been finalised.
The development also features advanced sustainability infrastructure, such as a wastewater reclamation facility capable of recycling up to 95% of treated water for reuse and an automated vacuum solid waste collection system.
Energy reliability and ICT have been prioritised with the construction of 40 km of power lines, 1 main electrical station, 50 electrical substations, and approximately 500 km of ICT conduits. These are expected to support both industrial and commercial users within the Technopolis.
Among the anchor developments in Phase One is the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), modeled after South Korea’s KAIST, which will focus on postgraduate training in science, technology, and engineering. The Konza National Data Center, already operational, has begun offering cloud and colocation services to both government and private sector clients.
KoTDA reports that 77 investors have already committed to establishing a presence at Konza Technopolis, with 16 currently operational. The project has gained strong interest from both local and international players in ICT, real estate, manufacturing, and research.
Konza has been designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) offering a wide range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to investors, including tax holidays, duty exemptions, and expatriate staff facilitation. In addition, the Technopolis was gazetted as an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in August 2025, further enhancing its attractiveness as an investment destination.
Investors also benefit from a One-Stop-Shop Investor Services Centre, which provides streamlined access to essential services such as business registration, work permits, import-export logistics, and utility connections.
Phase One offers serviced and secure land parcels on long-term lease, supported by best-in-class infrastructure and utilities delivered through advanced technology.
When fully operational, Phase One is expected to accommodate over 17,000 residents and workers, creating jobs and enhancing Kenya’s position as a regional innovation hub.
Konza Technopolis is envisioned as a model green city powered by renewable energy and smart infrastructure. The project integrates ICT in traffic management, waste collection, water monitoring, and public services to enhance efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Economically, Konza is projected to contribute up to 2% of Kenya’s GDP once fully developed, driving growth across sectors such as ICT, construction, real estate, and education.
The Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, in collaboration with KoTDA, is now preparing for the official commissioning of Phase One next week. This will mark the transition from construction to occupancy and operational rollout for tenants and service providers. The event will be officiated by Kenya’s president, William Ruto.
Phase Two and Three of the Technopolis will expand the city’s footprint to accommodate more businesses, universities, and residential areas. KoTDA has already begun engagement with potential investors and development partners to sustain momentum beyond Phase One.
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