The Kenyan and Korean Governments have today launched four Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) projects, aimed at fast tracking the development of the Konza Technopolis project.
The EIPP projects for the year two, between the two countries include, the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and Integrated Control Centre, Establishment of a Startup Ecosystem at Konza Technopolis, Development of Smart Logistics in Konza and the development of the Konza-Nairobi Corridor Transport Network.
The year two EIPP projects launch follows the successful implementation of the first EIPP projects in March 2022, which included the Development of the Smart City Master Plan, Feasibility Study on the Integrated Control Centre focusing on Security Operations and the Establishment of a transportation network and smart mobility plans that meet urban functions of the city.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, lauded the partnership progress between the two countries, noting that the EIPP projects will further boost the government’s agenda on the digital economy.
“The initiative marks yet another great milestone in the development of Konza Technopolis and for the transformation of Kenya through technology and innovation. This launch, today, follows the successful implementation of Year One Projects under the program last year, after the signing of the governing MOU,” he said.
“Konza Technopolis has identified several candidate projects for consideration and I am pleased to note that four additional projects have been approved for implementation, during the second year of the development program,” added the CS.
He noted that the Kenya Kwanza government is keen to forge partnerships, that will spur the country’s socio-economic transformation, particularly in the digital economy.
The CS further noted that 3,000 government services are now available in the e-citizen as part of the government’s commitment to drive innovation and technology in the country.
Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Roads, Eng. John Mbugua, noted that the government is committed to support the project, especially in the development of roads infrastructure to the smart city as part of the wider national infrastructure development for the country.
Park Chul Ho, the Director General, Development Cooperation Office (KOTRA), Korea, lauded the relations between the Korea and Kenya, saying there has been significant progress in the first year of the program, as they look forward for a successful second year projects implementation.
“I am glad that the first year gave us experiences due to the COVID-19, but we have continued to work towards our goals. In today’s launch, we shall share key insights about the projects in Konza Technopolis and we look forward to successful implementation,” he said.
Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), Ag. CEO, John Paul Okwiri, noted that the Authority is glad to undertake the EIPP projects and the project is on the right track to develop the city.
“We are glad to have this launch today. At Konza Technopolis, we are accelerating the impact of the project and the implementation of the second year projects, is a boost to the project in general,” he said.
EIPP is an extended cooperation grant model from the Korean government meant to foster mutually beneficial relationships, between partner countries and Korea.
EIPP maximizes business effectiveness by promoting policy advice, for system improvement and implementation of the projects identified.
The program supports two to three projects annually for a maximum of three years, focusing on establishing mid and long-term development strategies, improving laws and systems, planning infrastructure, and financing plans.
The 2022/23 Kenya-Korea EIPP will be implemented by the Korea Trade-Investment and Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), on behalf of the Governments of Korea and Kenya respectively.
By Hamdi Mohammud
