Eastleigh Business District Association pledges major investments in Konza smart city
By Abdirahman Khalif |
Led by EBDA Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, they pledged to create "another Eastleigh" there, referring to the business hub reported to contribute at least 30 per cent of Nairobi's revenue.
At least 100 members of the Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) visited the Konza Technopolis, referred to as the Silicon Savannah, on Wednesday, pledging many investments in different sectors.
Led by EBDA Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, they pledged to create "another Eastleigh" there, referring to the business hub reported to contribute at least 30 per cent of Nairobi's revenue.
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Konza Technopolis Chief Executive Officer John Paul Okwiri and Director Abdul Bahari welcomed the delegation, whose stops included amenities such as the new data centre, residential areas, the sewage treatment plant and the 66 kW Konza power station.
The visitors were also briefed on the city's land, covering the total area, cost per acre, and the minimum size available for purchase.
The EBDA members toured about 10 per cent of the total land mass of the smart city, which spans 5,000 acres, with the smallest purchasable plot being two acres.
Members of Eastleigh Business District Association are taken through the Konza Technopolis plan at their offices in Machakos County, during a tour on May 22, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)
"Another Eastleigh"
EBDA Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi described the visit as enlightening and a step towards expanding and replicating Eastleigh's success elsewhere.
"Eastleigh has become very congested so we want to expand and build another Eastleigh elsewhere. That is why we visited," Ahmed stated.
He noted that the infrastructure in Konza was impressive and matched their expectations.
"Konza is the kind of ideal place that we have been dreaming of. We will be moving in very soon in large numbers," he said.
EBDA Secretary-General Omar Hussein expressed satisfaction with the visit, noting the promising investment opportunities in Konza.
"We found a place with a good future; a place where we can invest and develop just like Eastleigh," he said.
Members of the Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) during a meeting at the offices of the Konza Technopolis in Machakos County, on May 22, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)
Other aspirations
Okwiri expressed pleasure at hosting the EBDA members and hoped their visit would translate into substantial investments.
He highlighted a specific need identified during the visit: a level 6 hospital. and pledged to support the association in establishing one.
"We are glad that we will facilitate the EBDA in actualising the Konza Technopolis' need for a teaching and a referral hospital," he said.
Konza is a major initiative under Kenya's Vision 2030 economic development strategy.
The aim is to develop it into a world-class city driven by a robust information, communications, and technology (ICT) sector, high-quality infrastructure, and favourable governance systems for businesses.
The EBDA's investment is expected to foster significant economic growth and development, similar to that witnessed in Eastleigh.
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