Modern Konza City Built in Kenya for the world

By now, you may have heard about an upcoming smart city in Kenya. This is none other than Konza Technology City.

Locally, Kenyans have interacted and known traditional cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

Konza Technopolis is one of a kind as it incorporates technology since its inception. Today, we explore important details that you need to know.

Origin of Konza City

The name Konza means to show respect according to South African Dictionary. Locals in Konza denote that the name has been in existence for a long period of time.

From this background, it is not a surprise as there still exists old Konza town even after the birth of a new Konza town.

Before 2008, the area had minimal activities. However, the name Konza rose to fame after it attracted national attention.

The need to have robust infrastructure that will steer Kenya Vision 2030, saw the launch of Konza City in 2008.

The former President, Mwai Kibaki was enthusiastic about the potential of this project is steering the economy to middle income. With the progress made, this is indeed a game changer.

Konza master plan includes a university, hotels, schools, hospitals and research facilities. These among other facilities will create a number of job opportunities.

As we speak, Konza has attracted local and foreign investors and has grown to become a household name both locally and abroad.

Where is Konza City Found?

The location of the city is in the former Malili Ranch. This is in between three counties, Kajiado Makueni and Machakos. The distance from Nairobi to Konza is roughly 60kms.

It takes less than 1 hour to access this upcoming city from Nairobi. The location is visible as you drive along Nairobi – Mombasa Highway just past Kentraco Power Station.

Konza main access gate touches the highway. Additionally, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is roughly 50 kms away from Konza.

How can one access Konza?

Konza City is one of the most accessible cities in Kenya. You can use railway line as a commuter train is already plying Konza route from Nairobi. This method is not only safe but it is also affordable and allows you to explore the area without experiencing traffic snarl-ups.

The city also touches Nairobi – Mombasa highway and as such, you can use PSV means or a personal car to access the site.

If you are outside the country, the smart city is less than an hour’s drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This means you can fly into the country and view the upcoming mega project in Kenya.

Who is in charge of Konza?

Konza City project is owned by the Government of Kenya. However, monitoring, implementation, and supervision of Konza are done by Konza Technopolis Development Authority under the ICT Ministry.

The Management is operating from their office inside the city.

Will area surrounding Konza Smart City have controlled Development?

A plan of any city directly influences its success and Konza is no exemption.

Three counties namely; Kajiado, Machakos and Makueni temporarily brought to a halt to issuance of new development plans in areas within 10 kilometre radius around Konza.

The intention is to allow the three come up with a well thought out inter-county physical and land use development plan. This is expected to shape developments around Konza.

To some expect, the plan may control the type of developments around the area. All in all, this is a welcome idea that will ensure Konza achieves its full smart city status.

Konza City Progress in 2021

There are a number of key foundational structures that have been successfully accomplished. Photos of Konza City are also available to show the progress made.

I. Security Infrastructure – The concept of the city requires well planned and structure security. As such, a Security Command Centre was launched by Interior Security CS Fred Matiangi. It is expected to have an Emergency Response Component, Fire and Police stations and other enablers.

II. Construction of Ultra-Modern Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology – This will be a state of art facility with a focus on engineering and ICT. The completion is expected to be in 2022.

III. Data Hub – this has been achieved through National Data Centre, an enabler of all ICT functions at the city.

IV. Road and Drainage Infrastructure – this is ongoing and recently these projects received a boost with Ksh 6.3B from 2020/2021 Kenyan Budget to hasten completion.

V. ICT Cables – ICT is the backbone of any smart city. 500km underground cables have already been laid down.

When is Konza City expected to be complete?

Konza city is expected to be fully complete by 2028. From the whole plan of Konza, it was estimated to take 20 years to complete this project since 2008.

So far, all the basic infrastructure has been done. Key stakeholders have already set base here.

Therefore, this timeline will be met and Konza will be fully functional before 2030.

How does the future of real estate in Konza look like?

Globally, the growth of real estate is influenced by infrastructural and population growth. A quick look at areas such as Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kajiado, Machakos, and Nakuru towns shows massive growth in terms of residential and commercial developments as a result of the two.

The moment people continuously settle in an area, the more the demand for properties grow. Growth of Konza City will attract an estimated population of 200,000 people as a result of the jobs created.

This does not include the population of students enrolling in the University at Konza. With this background, there will be a need for residential and commercial properties in Konza.

Savvy investors should take advantage of this opportunity to invest in affordable properties in Konza because the future of real estate here is promising. Leading real estate companies in Kenya such as Username Investments, are offering affordable residential plots in Konza that you can consider investing in.