President Ruto Launches Phase 1 of Konza Technopolis Smart City Facilities
President William Ruto has officially launched the first phase of Konza Technopolis, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s journey toward becoming a digital and innovation-driven economy.
Themed “Powering Kenya’s Future – A Smart City Open for Investment,” the event highlighted Konza’s readiness as a fully operational smart city and investment hub.
During the tour, President Ruto commissioned several key installations, including the Solid Waste Collection Facility, the first of its kind in East and Central Africa, a 120MV Power Distribution Substation using gas insulation to reduce environmental impact, and the Silicon Savannah Intelligent Operations and Experience Centre, which demonstrates smart city technologies across the city’s infrastructure.
The President also laid the foundation stone for the Konza Affordable Housing Project, which targets 10,000 modern housing units with social amenities. This complements the first 3,000 units already under construction under the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
The high-level ceremony brought together representatives from Makueni, Kajiado, and Machakos counties, government officials, investors, diplomats, and members of the local community. Also present were ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo and Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to positioning Konza as a model for smart, sustainable urban development.
President Ruto emphasized that Konza Technopolis remains a national priority under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), leveraging the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy to create high-value jobs and expand digital inclusion.
“Konza Technopolis represents the spirit of our new Kenya, innovative, forward-looking, and globally competitive. The investments we are witnessing here today are a testament to our vision of transforming Kenya into a digital powerhouse,” said the President.
CS Kabogo added “The commitment we witness from H.E. today is the final assurance investors need. Konza is open, Konza is secure, and Konza is ready to host the future of African tech.”
As a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Konza offers investors a 10% corporate tax rate for the first ten years, along with VAT and stamp duty exemptions. The Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) reported that more than 80% of Phase 1 investment parcels have already been allocated to both local and international investors.
KoTDA CEO John Paul Okwiri said the milestone affirms Konza’s progress. “We are on course to achieve our mandate through the projects showcased today. We have the capacity, efficiency, and conviction to deliver the transformation Kenya needs.”
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