Kenya has officially entered a new era of digital transformation following the commissioning of Konza Technopolis, a Vision 2030 flagship project designed to make the country Africa’s leading hub for technology, innovation, and sustainable urban living.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Monday, President William Ruto said the project symbolizes Kenya’s readiness to lead in digital innovation and knowledge-driven growth.
“This is no longer a dream to postpone, but a destiny to continue. Kenya must take its rightful place among nations shaping the future,” he said.
The President noted that Phase One of Konza marks a key milestone, featuring 40 kilometres of modern road networks, 170 kilometres of water and drainage systems, and a six-kilometre underground utility tunnel housing fibre optic, power, and water lines.
He added that the smart city’s 120-megawatt power substation, waste recycling system, and green corridors make it a model for sustainable cities in Africa.
“Konza is now the heartbeat of Kenya’s digital government infrastructure. It is where innovation meets efficiency and where our future economy will be anchored,” Ruto said.
The city also hosts the Open University of Kenya, which has already enrolled 15,000 students from 70 countries, with projections to hit 100,000 learners by 2026. Ruto revealed he has personally enrolled in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) course, saying leaders must stay informed about emerging technologies.
“AI will change how we govern, do business and educate our people. Kenya must not be left behind,” he noted.
The President further announced that the government will work with the private sector to complete the Konza Convention Centre and other supporting infrastructure, emphasizing that public-private partnerships are crucial for sustainability.
Information, Communications and Digital Economy CS William Kabogo hailed the project as a major leap for Kenya’s digital economy.
“By 2032, Konza will stand among the best technology cities globally,” he said.
ICT PS Eng. John Tanui credited the project’s success to strong international partnerships with the US, UK, Italy, China, and South Korea, while Housing CS Alice Wahome revealed that over 1,000 affordable housing units are already under construction at Konza, with 2,000 more planned in Phase Two.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. praised the government for turning the Konza dream into reality, calling it “a symbol of Kenya’s transformation.”
“The hardware is complete. Now we must build the people and systems that will sustain it,” he said.
He urged the President to champion Africa’s digital sovereignty, noting that data has become “the new currency of the world.”
Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri thanked the national and county governments for their collaboration, affirming the agency’s readiness to lead Kenya’s transition into a fully digital economy.
“Our goal is to make Konza the benchmark for every new technology framework the government adopts,” Okwiri said.
President Ruto concluded by saying that Konza will serve as a blueprint for Kenya’s future cities innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive.
