Konza Technopolis Chief Executive Officer John Paul Okwiri speaking at UN-HABITAT Smart Cities side event at the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County/HANDOUTKonza Technopolis Chief Executive Officer John Paul Okwiri has called on county governments to harness data and digital tools to improve public service delivery.
He said digital tools will also promote transparency, and accelerate infrastructure development.
Speaking at UN-HABITAT Smart Cities side event at the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, Okwiri emphasised the transformative potential of digital technologies in urban governance and development.
“Data-driven decision-making accelerates infrastructure development, improves resource allocation, and enhances transparency,” he said.
Okwiri urged counties to partner with Konza Technopolis, describing it as a national hub for digital skills development, smart city solutions, and innovation.
He encouraged collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, academia, and development partners to ensure Kenya’s smooth transition to a knowledge-based economy.
“As Kenya leaps to a knowledge-based economy, it is critical that we pull together our efforts to make this transition successful,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing partnerships, Okwiri noted that Konza Technopolis is working closely with UN-Habitat to support counties in adopting sustainable urban development models, smart governance frameworks, and inclusive digital infrastructure.
“Together, we are advancing Kenya’s readiness for urban digital governance and supporting the creation of a national urban knowledge base,” he said.
He encouraged counties to invest in data systems, adopt digital governance practices, and build local innovation ecosystems that promote citizen engagement and efficient service delivery.
Through initiatives like the Jitume Digital Enablement Programme, Okwiri said Konza is helping bridge the digital divide by equipping thousands of youth with market-relevant digital skills.
“We are preparing Kenya’s youth for jobs that don’t exist yet—ensuring they can compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.
“We are providing access to digital labs, mentorship, and job linkages in ICT-enabled services.”
Described as a catalyst for Kenya’s digital transformation, Konza Technopolis is playing a key role in fostering ICT industries, enabling innovation, and supporting counties in adopting real-time monitoring, public participation platforms, and smart urban planning tools.
