Kenya-Korea economic innovation partnership program launched to drive digital transformation
Date: 2024-03-08
The Principal Secretary of the State Department of ICT and Digital
Economy in Kenya, John Kopchumba Tanui, has officially launched the Konza
Technopolis Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) 3rd Year Projects in
collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).
This initiative noted on the Principal Secretary’s official LinkedIn
social media platform, marks a pivotal moment in the longstanding partnership
between Kenya and Korea, which has played a crucial role in shaping various
sectors such as ICT, infrastructure development, healthcare, water, and
education.
The 3rd Year of the EIPP according to him aims to provide
essential support for the establishment of a stable infrastructure, an
incubation complex, smart farms, diversification of energy sources, green
transition, and enhancement of energy independence for Konza. This includes the
integration of information and transportation networks to further solidify
Konza Technopolis as a hub for innovation and economic growth.
Key initiatives under this agenda include the development of a
100,000-kilometer fiber optic infrastructure, the establishment of 1,450
innovation hubs, and the provision of 25,000 WIFI hotspots across the country.
These projects are not only empowering the youth but also enhancing
accessibility to services through the automation and digitization of government
services.
The launch ceremony was attended by distinguished personalities,
including Dr. Park Chul Ho, Director of KOTRA; Mr. Nam Sang Kyoo, Acting Ambassador
of the Korean Embassy in Kenya; Prof. Raphael Munavu, Konza Board Chair; John
Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza; Prof. Jennifer Khamasi, Principal of KAIST; Mr.
Peter Tobora, Acting Director of Renewable Energy, representing PS Energy; and
Mr. Douglas Kangi, Agriculture Secretary Administration, representing PS
Agriculture.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
