Kenya Chases After Wealthy Chinese in Ksh2 Trillion Project

Kenyan President William Ruto (left) and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Kenyan President William Ruto (left) and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke

The Konza Technopolis, popularly known as Konza City, intensified its efforts to woo Chinese investors into the sprawling development valued at Ksh2 trillion ($14.5 billion).

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, May 25, Konza Technopolis Development Authority Business Development and Innovation manager, Anne Wafula, argued that opportunities at the upcoming city were endless.

She further explained that, as the first phase of development comes to a close, opportunities that can be exploited by Chinese nationals had opened up.

Wafula explained that as part of their investments, the investors would enjoy several incentives including tax reliefs alongside strengthening partnerships between Africa and the Asian country.

Photo collage of artistic representation of smart poles and intelligent smart poles erected in Konza on Wednesday February 15, 2023
Photo collage of artistic representation of smart poles and intelligent smart poles erected in Konza on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
China in China/ Konza

"For instance, here at Konza Technopolis, we have many investment opportunities that can be taken up by Chinese investors who will enjoy incentives, such as tax reliefs, while operating under a one-stop shop because the Technopolis is a special economic zone," she told China Daily.

The project was launched in 2009 during the regime of the late President Mwai Kibaki with the aim of turning Kenya into a leading technological hub in Africa in line with Vision 2030.

After the launch of the national data center, Wafula noted that the project was on the right path to elevate the country's technological stature.

"So far, the first phase is 90 percent complete, and we have been able to secure investors in areas including commerce, technology, industry and education," she added.

The data centre was built in connection with a well-known Chinese company with several sectors expected to be snatched up by other investors.

The sectors include public transport systems, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, financial technology, digitisation, and robotics.

According to Wafula, the first phase will provide northwards of 17,000 jobs upon its completion.

In the initial plan, the development of the smart city had promised to open up over 100,000 jobs contributing significantly to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

President William Ruto's regime also aims to incorporate its affordable housing project into the Konza Technopolis blueprint to deliver the much-needed housing demands.

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