NAIROBI, Kenya – The much-awaited historic Konza Technology City, which is equated to the famous Silicon Valley in the United States, is now a reality after the official launch by Kenya President Mwai Kibaki on Wednesday.
This now opens gates for the developers and investors to start construction at the new city, dubbed Silicon Savannah, which is expected to brand the country as a global destination of choice for technology innovations.
The Kenya’s Silicon Valley, on the border of Makueni and Machakos counties, where the city will be constructed on a 5,000 acres piece of land, is located 60 kilometres from Nairobi.
Once completed, the Sh850 billion project driven by the Ministry of Information and Communications is expected to attract investments to create over 20,000 direct jobs by the end of the year.
The components of the city include a business process outsourcing park, science park, mega malls, convention center, data schools, world class hotels, international schools, world class hospitals, championship golf course, financial district, high speed mass transport system and residential housing among other high class developments.
“I have directed that mushrooming of unplanned developments must stop and controlled developed should only be allowed in Konza City. Also in areas adjacent to the city and along Mombasa road. Konza city cannot stand alone, but should start and go with excellence and standards,” said President Kibaki during the ground breaking ceremony.
The government will facilitate the construction of both onsite and offsite infrastructure including roads, water and sewerage systems, energy and high-speed rail to make it more attractive, productive and habitable.
The private sector is expected to raise funds for developing the actual city.
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