Africa’s ‘Silicon Valley’ Opens in Kenya

The anticipated historic opening of Konza city, Africa’s technology hub, took place in Nairobi this week with an official launch presided by President Mwai Kibaki.

Poised to be the central hub for technology innovations in Africa, Silicon Savannah, as the city is loosely called, seeks to provide a lucrative center for developers and investors  around the world to explore new ideas.

The site, only about 60 kilometers from the nation’s capital of Nairobi, is located on the border of Makueni and Machokos counties and is expected to be constructed on a 5,000 acres piece of land.

The project will be steered by the Ministry of Information and Communications at Sh850 billion and is expected to create more than 20,000 jobs.

Touching on the vision for Konza city, President Kibaki stated during the launch ceremony: "I have directed that mushrooming of unplanned developments must stop and controlled developments should only be allowed in Konza City, and also in areas adjacent the city and along Mombasa road. Konza city cannot stand alone but should start and go with excellence and standards."

The city, which will be build in four phases over a 20 year period, is expected to have a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) 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 more. The first phase will be completed by 2017.
Although the government will facilitate the actual construction of the site, the private sector is expected to invest and develop the city.

Kenyan citizens are optimistic about the development and opportunities that Konza city will bring.