Three counties in Kenya have been suspended from issuing new development permits in areas around Konza technopolis.
In a joint statement, the county governments of Machakos, Makueni and Kajiado have been issued a 90-day suspension from issuing permits in areas within a 10 kilometre radius of the technopolis. The period will allow the counties develop an inter-county physical and land use development plan that provides guidelines and standards for regulated land use practices and general development within the zone.
According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I, the guidelines will provide ways to legally protect the area around Konza City, by creating a buffer zone that protects the city from being surrounded by unplanned properties.
Konza City
The Technopolis is situated a 5,000 acre piece of land 60km from the countryโs capital city of Nairobi and is part of the vision 2030 initiative set up by the government. The first phase of the project involved the construction of access roads that will open up the city to infrastructural investments. In the phase, Kenya Power has also commenced installation of initial power that will be used to pump water from the seven boreholes that have already been dug to supply water to the city.
Once operational, the city will be able to attract software developers, university campuses focused on research and technology, hospitals, schools, high speed mass transport system, a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) park among other world class amenities. It is also meant to put Kenya on the global spotlight as Africaโs premiere techno hub.
The City is expected to unlock the unemployment gridlock in the country heightened by the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Tanui emphasized that through interdepartmental consultations, the Government will Fastrack construction of Thwake Dam to ensure Konza city gets enough water required for its growth.
