Tatu & Konza Dream Cities Get Closer to Reality

The design of the Ultra-modern Security Command Centre at Konza City
The design of the Ultra-modern Security Command Centre at Konza City
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KONZA

The government has approved six standards that will fast-track the development of eco and socio-friendly cities that will utilise technology to offer high-quality life for Kenyans.

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), on Thursday, May 13, stated that under the new measures, Tatu and Konza cities dream will be realised. 

The two, dubbed the Silicon Savannah of Kenya, were earmarked as smart cities with Nairobi being ranked as one of the most advanced technological cities in Africa along with Cape Town, South Africa. The ranking was conducted by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). 

CS Mucheru looking on the Data Centre at Konza Technopolis
ICT CS Mucheru looking at the Data Centre at Konza Technopolis
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The six standards include the provision of real-time data, information exchange, smart transportation to save energy, installation of electric power infrastructures, construction of thermal power infrastructure and plant operations and interactions in smart community infrastructures from relevant aspects through the life cycle. 

"As Kenya continues to rapidly urbanise, we increasingly rely on technological solutions to create sustainable living patterns; manage resource consumption in water and energy, enhance smart infrastructure development, ease access to government service as well as tackle environmental challenges such as garbage disposal and recycling

"The approved standards will facilitate the transformation of urban infrastructures into smart and sustainable infrastructures as envisioned in the country's vision 2030," KEBS Managing Director, Bernard Njiraini stated. 

According to the MD, these standards will ensure efficient urban operations, services and competitiveness while ensuring that the social-economic environmental, as well as cultural needs of present and future generations, are met

Konza in Machakos County is a key flagship project of Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development blueprint. It sits on a 5,000-acre (2,011-hectare) site 70 kilometres from Nairobi, the construction workers are hard at work to ensure the project is a success.

The project was estimated to create more than 200,000 jobs. In June 2020, the Treasury allocated Ksh6.3 billion in the 2020/2021 budget towards the project. 

The Treasury has planned on allocating the project Ksh17.8 billion in the financial year 2021/22. 

Tatu City in Kiambu County is a 5,000-acre, mixed-use development with homes, industries and other amenities for more than 150,000 residents and tens of thousands of day visitors. 

Investors enjoy reduced corporate taxes, customs and excise duty exemptions and VAT benefits.

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