The Konza Technopolis Development Authority has partnered with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology on career development and innovation.
The two institutions will also collaborate in community outreach and research matters.
Konza Technopolis is a key flagship project of Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development portfolio and is anticipated to be a world-class city.
It will be powered by a thriving information, communications and technology sector, superior reliable infrastructure and business-friendly governance systems.
The technopolis, housed under the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy in collaboration with the Republic of South Korea, is developing Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, which will mainly focus on innovative postgraduate studies.
Speaking during the signing of the partnership, Konza Technopolis CEO John Tanui said the collaboration will help accelerate the digital transformation of the Kenyan economy.
“The universities in Konza Technopolis are envisioned as a special place where innovative groups develop and apply new technology, as a place where higher education and industry come together, and a site of life-long learning," Tanui said.
He said the goals and vision of Konza Technopolis will be realised by establishing multiple university campuses and through partnerships.
Masinde Muliro University vice chancellor Solomon Shibairo assured the university management will continue investing to actualise the partnership.
He said among the funded activities is the MMUST Webometrics Institutional Project, which is focused on creating partnerships in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
“We also have the Agenda 2063 Goal 19, with Africa as a major partner in global affairs and peaceful co-existence of the African Union," Shibairo said.
The Konza Technology City project was initiated by the national government in 2009, with the procurement of 5,000 acres at Malili Ranch, 60km southeast of Nairobi along Mombasa-Nairobi A109 road.
This marked the official launch and realisation of Africa’s Silicon Savannah.
The Konza team present during the signing of the partnership included June Chepkemei, Lucas Omollo and Lucas Musau.
Masinde Muliro university's team had deputy vice chancellor planning, research and innovation Charles Mutai, science park, innovation and incubation centre director John Muoma, webometrics and short courses coordinator Dennis Ochieno and MMUST ICT representative Hesbon Amwayi.
Edited by A.N
