Committee Pushes for Sustained Progress at Konza Technopolis as Legislators Review Smart City Projects

Members of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation have called for accelerated progress in the development of Konza Technopolis following an oversight visit aimed at assessing the status of key smart city projects and digital infrastructure investments.

The committee, chaired by John Kiarie Waweru, Member of Parliament for Dagoretti South, toured the technopolis on Thursday to evaluate the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to position Kenya as a regional hub for technology, research and digital innovation.

During the inspection, lawmakers were briefed by officials from the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) on the progress of ongoing developments within the smart city. The committee noted that the Phase One horizontal infrastructure—comprising roads, water systems, power distribution and fiber connectivity—has been completed and handed over for operational use.

Legislators also reviewed the status of the Konza National Data Centre and other smart city facilities currently supporting government digital services. Officials indicated that the data centre is operational and undergoing further cloud expansion to enhance capacity and support the country’s growing digital ecosystem.

The committee further assessed construction progress at the Konza Complex, which will include a conference facility and hotel block. The project remains under development and is expected to support business tourism, technology conferences and innovation forums within the smart city.

Members were also updated on the establishment of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), a flagship graduate research institution being developed within the technopolis. The institute is expected to play a key role in advancing high-level scientific research and training in science, engineering and emerging technologies.

While acknowledging the milestones achieved so far, lawmakers emphasized the need to fast-track the completion of remaining projects to ensure that Konza Technopolis fully delivers on its vision as Kenya’s flagship smart city.

The committee also engaged KoTDA officials on the status of stalled digital innovation hubs being rolled out across the country. Members stressed that the hubs are critical in expanding digital access, nurturing young innovators and creating employment opportunities for Kenya’s youth.

Speaking during the visit, Kiarie reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem while ensuring public investments deliver measurable benefits to citizens.

He added that the committee will continue providing legislative oversight and policy support to accelerate the growth of Konza Technopolis as a regional centre for technology, research and innovation.