Kenya and Korea today signed an agreement that will see South Korea extend its support to the Kenya government through Konza Technopolis in financing three major projects under the 2 countries Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP). The agreement will cover the following areas; establishment of a Smart Farm, establishment of an Incubation Complex and Renewable Energy Strategy for Konza Technopolis.
“I wish to laud the partnership progress between our two countries that predates independence time and built over the years. We are proud to note the support received from Korea in ICT to Industrial Technology, road infrastructure to Health and water projects to Education,” Eng. John Tanui, the Principal Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy said.
The new program is the third one following 2 previous ones that Konza Technopolis has implemented in 2021/22 and 2022/23 period. The projects were derived from submission of Project Proposal to the Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance in 2021 for a grant support towards policy recommendations for the development of smart city infrastructure at Konza Technopolis under the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP). EIPP is a new and extended cooperation model of the KSP (Knowledge Sharing Program) of Korea to foster mutually beneficial relationships between South Korea and partner countries. The program provides a comprehensive development consultation including pre-feasibility and full feasibility studies mainly for infrastructure and urban development related projects to support the partner countries’ economic development.
“The successful implementation of the first and second program projects has given us the impetus to undertake this third phase to ensure we conclusively deliver on our commitment,” Park Chul Ho, the Director General of the Development Cooperation Office (KOTRA) said.
The following 3 projects were approved for implementation during year 1 of the project (FY 2021/22); establishment of Konza Technopolis Smart City Masterplan, establishment of an Integrated Control Center and establishment of Transportation Network & Smart Mobility Basic Plan. Four additional projects were further selected for implementation under year 2 of the EIPP project. The projects selected are those that fully complement year one projects as catalysts for the attainment of the Konza dream. The four projects were; Preliminary Feasibility Study for an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and Integrated Control Centre, Consultation for Establishment of a Startup Ecosystem at Konza Technopolis, Consultation for the Establishment of Smart Logistics in Konza Technopolis and Consultation of Masterplan for transport network development on the Konza-Nairobi Corridor Transport Network.
“These projects we are supporting are meant to support Kenya leap forward in terms of smart technology by having a smart city, Konza Technopolis adopt smart and modern technology,” Nam Sang Kyoo, Korea Ambassador to Kenya said, during the signing ceremony.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce that we have completed the implementation of these projects. Through the EIPP, we have witnessed the dynamic exchange of knowledge, innovative ideas and valuable resources between KoTDA and KOTRA. Our collaborative efforts have yielded tangible and transformative outcomes. As we look ahead, our journey continues with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm,” said Rafael Munavu, Chairman Konza Technopolis.