Peers around the world: Innovation and conservation in Konza Technopolis, Kenya, and IASP 2024

In our continuing "Peers Around the World" series, where we speak with global leaders in innovation spaces, we had the privilege to chat with John Paul Okwiri, recently appointed CEO of Konza Technopolis (Kenya), our host for the next IASP World Conference on 17th - 20th September 2024. John Paul shared updates about the development of their smart city, the key role the technopolis has in preserving local flora and fauna, as well as their commitment to supporting youth and digital opportunities. 

Konza Technopolis is an ambitious project. What is the current stage of development? And what’s the next big milestone for you?

Indeed, the ambitiousness of the project cannot be overstated. It is the first smart city in Africa being developed on a greenfield based on a cohesive and considered masterplan. The Technopolis is planned to be realised in stages with the first stage or phase consisting of approximately 600 acres of the total 5,000 acres currently being developed. We are nearing the completion of the horizontal infrastructure for this first phase with all roads and major utilities on target to be fully operational by December of this year. If I were pressed to put a percentage to it, I would place it at 95% completion for Phase 1.

The horizontal infrastructure is the platform upon which Konza Technopolis is meant to achieve its overarching goal of becoming a truly smart city and a major economic driver for Kenya as a nation. This means the next big milestone for us at Technopolis is onboarding of investors and operationalisation of the city towards its intended goals of economic development driven by science, technology and innovation and the creation of 17,000 or more direct jobs after the completion of Phase 1. We believe we have put in place the enabling environment and more than adequate incentives to allow for the domestic and international investment necessary to achieve this. The Technopolis is open for business as a world class smart city and area of innovation.

Konza Technopolis is being developed as a sustainable smart city, and I hear there is some quite special wildlife living in the heart of the site: can you tell us more about this?

Konza Technopolis, strategically located amidst rangelands and vital wildlife dispersal corridors extending from Nairobi National Park to the broader Kitengela conservation area and the Athi-Kapiti Conservancy Association, serves as a crucial connector for wildlife populations. This ecosystem linkage plays a pivotal role in connecting Nairobi National Park's wildlife to the expansive Amboseli, Magadi, Ol Donyo Sabuk, Tsavo, and Serengeti Ecosystems.

Recognizing the importance of biodiversity conservation, the Konza Technopolis Development Authority has designated approximately 1,000 acres in the southern region of the city for this purpose. This land currently serves as a habitat for various endangered, protected, least concern species, avian species, and unique flora and fauna. The Authority is in the process of formalizing this area as the "Konza Technopolis Wildlife Conservancy."

Within this conservancy, efforts are underway to protect and manage biodiversity throughout the wet and dry seasons. Collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Services ensures support in cases of disease outbreaks, injuries, or relocations. Additionally, partnerships with local communities, such as the Athi Kapiti conservation association and ranches, address wildlife conservation matters, including road kill reduction, climate change mitigation, and human-wildlife conflicts. Conservation practices involve planting indigenous tree species and providing clean water and food during severe droughts.

The proposed "Konza Technopolis Wildlife Conservancy" aims to safeguard and rejuvenate existing land and natural resources, fostering the growth of the tourism industry and promoting sustainability in the social, economic, and environmental development of Konza Technopolis and its surrounding areas.

One of Konza’s key goals is enabling young people to access digital opportunities, and drive Kenya’s digital economy. What are the main strategies you’re using to achieve this?

In line with the Government’s plans on promotion of the digital economy, digitalization agenda and providing access to digital infrastructure to citizens across the country and especially the youth, Konza Technopolis has initiated several initiatives towards the same.

Konza Technopolis has been running the Kids Tech Boot camp which seeks to introduce technology to children in lower education levels to create an interest in software development and robotics. The program has been successful, and plans are underway to mainstream it and integrate it in the school curriculum through tech clubs in schools.

The Technopolis is enabling an Ecosystem development approach via the Konza Innovation Ecosystem Initiative (KIEI), an initiative that emerged 3rd in 2021’’s IASP inspiring solutions awards and that brings together Innovation and startup communities in Kenya for knowledge sharing, co creation and a growth pipeline for innovators from all over the country.

In December 2022, Konza Technopolis launched the Jitume Access to Digital Opportunities program under the patronage of HE The President. The program is implemented in Technical Vocational Institutions, Community Hubs and select secondary schools, for which   Konza Technopolis provides computers and other Government and Private sector partners provide free internet access, digital skills courses, remote job training as well as access to remote job offers from all over the world. The objective of this program is to provide youth with access to digital infrastructure, equip them with digital skills and connect them with remote jobs globally to allow them start earning while they learn. The devices and digital skills courses also allow the youth to build their capacity in technology and encourage innovation.

You’ll be hosting us for our 2024 World Conference, IASP Nairobi, in a year’s time. What aspect of Kenyan innovation are you most looking forward to showing to our global community?

The Kenyan innovation ecosystem is quite robust, especially on the technology front, which is highly attributable to the Government’s initiatives on increasing access to digital infrastructure throughout the country. Mainly focused on providing localised solutions to our unique Kenyan challenges, most innovations are based on technology supporting agriculture, health, transport and logistics, education, and support to MSMEs.

At IASP Nairobi 2024, Konza will be showcasing the unique Kenyan innovation ecosystem where the Government plays a key role in enabling innovation through provision of technology infrastructure and supporting policy framework. This is evident from the Konza Innovation Ecosystem Initiative, a quadruple-helix program bringing together Academia, Industry, Government and Civil society within the Kenyan innovation ecosystem towards growing Kenya’s Knowledge Economy. KIEI is acting as a forerunner to the physical science and technology park by simulating the interactions that will be experienced in the Technopolis in the future. The Authority also looks forward to showcasing its work in physical planning, emerging technologies, climate resilience and urban development.

What do you think will surprise IASP colleagues most about Nairobi?

Nairobi exudes a rich, vibrant entrepreneurial and cultural spirit. Kenya is home to over 40 indigenous tribes and a host of many Global Nations as a metropolis, Nairobi is a blend of a rich cultural tapestry. The city is home to a national park, where you can witness the breath-taking diversity of wildlife. Nairobi is a buzz of activities, a hot bed for creatives, innovators and young entrepreneurs who flourish through their determination and hard work.

 The city undeniably stands out as the undisputed economic hub of East Africa, attracting a significant number of investors. Also referred to as the "Green City in the Sun", Nairobi features natural green parks with Uhuru Park, Karura Forest and Arboretum being some of the areas where one can relax and enjoy nature. The city has a well-developed infrastructure, with the Nairobi Expressway, ensuring seamless operational movements. Nairobi is always eager and ready to share its stories with you! The City is full of many surprises that our guests will enjoy!