- Konza is shifting from infrastructure construction to attracting private investment, industries and jobs across its 5,000-acre technology city
- Planned textile and electronics operations could create up to 10,000 jobs, while universities and research institutions support innovation
- Plans include 10,000 homes, walkable amenities and digital-skills training as the city’s growth depends on investor participation
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The Kenyan government is now shifting its focus at Konza Technopolis from laying infrastructure to attracting private investors, establishing industries and creating jobs in the planned technology city.
Source: Facebook
Why is Konza seeking private investment?
John Paul Okwiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Technopolis Development Authority, said the government had concentrated on preparing the 5,000-acre site for development, with the next phase expected to be driven largely by private capital.
The groundwork has included master planning, excavation and the installation of essential infrastructure to make it easier for investors to establish businesses.
“You see, before you go up you must go down when you are developing. So you go down first, you establish the foundation, and then now you start going up,” Okwiri said.
Approximately 40 kilometres of internal roads have been developed, alongside electricity distribution systems, solid waste management facilities and wastewater reclamation infrastructure.
The project also has a 400kV substation established through the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) to support future electricity needs.
With these foundations in place, the government is looking to private investors to construct buildings, establish industries and expand commercial activity as Konza moves towards full development.
“We are building Africa's Silicon Savannah, so it means that we have to operate 24-7 in order to facilitate our investors, to ensure that the development of the technopolis continues until when we'll be able to reach full build-out,” Okwiri said.
Konza Targets Industries and Jobs
Manufacturing is among the sectors expected to drive the next phase of development.
Within the technopolis's export processing zone, investor Lucky DJX plans to establish textile and electronics manufacturing operations, including the production of solar products and accessories.
According to Okwiri, the investment could create up to 10,000 jobs.
Konza's wider vision also involves bringing research, technology and industry together to help turn scientific discoveries into products and services that can compete in international markets.
The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has been completed and operationalised, while the National Data Centre is supporting the government's digital transformation agenda. The Open University of Kenya and Riara University are also based at Konza.
Josephine Ndambuki, Konza's Chief Manager for Business Development and Innovation, said the project was intended to create opportunities for Kenyans in employment, science and technology.
“Konza ilitengenezwa ndio watu wapate jobs, wafanye science, wafanye innovation,” she said.
Ndambuki added that Kenyan engineers, architects and technology specialists were involved in developing the city. The authority is also exploring the use of technologies such as drones in medicine, transport and agriculture.
Government's Wider Plan for Konza
Beyond business and technology, the development plan includes housing and amenities intended to support a growing population.
Okwiri said 10,000 housing units had been committed, with the first 1,000 expected to be ready by November 2026.
The master plan also provides for pedestrian walkways, cycling lanes, public parks and amenities designed to be accessible within a 15-minute walk.
Meanwhile, the Jitume programme seeks to equip young Kenyans with digital skills by providing access to computers, training and digital hubs to prepare them for opportunities in the digital economy.
However, the pace of Konza's transformation will depend on how quickly investors establish businesses, industries expand and more people begin living and working in the city.
Ndambuki urged Kenyan entrepreneurs to explore opportunities at the technopolis, emphasising that it was open to those who wanted to participate in its growth.
“Konza is for you. It is open.”
Konza Technopolis Wins Award
In other news, TUKO also highlighted facts about Konza Technopolis, which won the 2026 WBBA Smart Gigacity Excellence Award in Vienna. Kenya’s flagship Vision 2030 project was recognised as a global model for gigabit-enabled urban development.
The city’s smart infrastructure includes 79 kilometres of fibre, an AI-powered operations centre and an automated waste system that moves 40 tonnes of rubbish daily. Its next phase aims to connect more than 300 additional public institutions to Konza’s cloud platform.
Source: TUKO.co.ke