Kenya is seeking to deepen cooperation with South Korea on smart cities, digital infrastructure, innovation and emerging technologies as the country advances its ambition to build a globally competitive digital economy.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, CBS, discussed the cooperation during a meeting with a delegation from the University of Seoul and the Korea Development Institute.
The delegation, comprising Prof. Hyeon Park, Prof. Junwon Seo, Ms. Hyemi Kim and Mr. Jun Kim, is conducting a study examining the outcomes and linkages of Korea’s development cooperation programmes supporting Konza Smart City.
The discussions reviewed the development of Konza Technopolis, including policy and institutional support provided by the Kenyan government and coordination among institutions involved in the project.
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Kenya and South Korea also examined the contribution of Korean development cooperation initiatives, including the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP), Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) and Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
The two sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation in smart city development, digital infrastructure, innovation and emerging technologies. Discussions also covered strategic initiatives including the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) and Digital Media City.
Tanui described the Konza Technopolis Development Authority as a strategic platform for Kenya’s ambition to develop a globally competitive digital economy.
He said stronger partnerships with South Korea would be important in converting knowledge, technical expertise and development cooperation into investments, innovation and sustainable economic growth. The engagement comes as Kenya continues to position Konza Technopolis as a key component of its digital transformation agenda and as a hub for technology, innovation and smart-city development.