Agency to manage Konza City development, says minister

By Joseph Kipkoech

KENYA: The Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KOTDA) has been given  the responsibility to ensure success of Konza city, a proposed 5,000 acre Technology Park.

According to Information Communications Minister Samuel Poghisio, the Authority, which has limited number of employees, would rely on outside consultants to execute its functions.

“As Konza grows, the Kotda will add personnel, and building capacity until it is a full-fledged organisation, with strong business development and real estate development skills,” explained Poghisio.

 The minister was speaking during a breakfast briefing on progress on the Konza Technology city to MPs and Permanent Secretaries at a Nairobi hotel.

The minister said Konza would be a developed city towards the end of the expected 20-year build-out period, whereas Kotda will transform into a city management authority.

Poghisio said Kotda would have enormous powers and responsibilities in the management of Konza City.

“Kotda will also control operations and development within the city and its surroundings (the buffer zone), formulate and enact policies to regulate the growth of the new city, which is expected to be launched on January 23,’’ he added.

The minister further said Kotda would lobby for finance to develop the city and take charge of all developments within the city and its buffer zone, and undertake maintenance and management.

 The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Bitange Ndemo, said availability of clear financial incentives would make Konza Technology city the preferred investment destination.