Kenya and Italy Deepen Digital Partnership to Accelerate Konza Technopolis Development

Kenya is seeking to deepen its digital cooperation with Italy as the two countries explore new opportunities to accelerate the development of Konza Technopolis and expand digital infrastructure across the country.

The discussions were held between Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy,  Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, and Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya, Vincenzo Del Monaco, with a focus on turning existing partnerships into tangible digital infrastructure, skills and economic opportunities.

According to Tanui, the progress achieved at Konza Technopolis demonstrates the impact of international collaboration. The technopolis has completed initial phases of horizontal infrastructure and eco-sustainable systems with support from Italian engineering expertise, establishing the foundation for its development as Kenya’s Silicon Savannah.

The latest discussions centred on identifying practical measures to accelerate Phase II of Konza Technopolis while also expanding Kenya’s BETA Digital Superhighway in line with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.

Kenya also plans to build on its cooperation with Infratel Italia, Italy’s digital infrastructure agency, to expand the deployment of public Wi-Fi hotspots and smart-city technologies across the country. The initiative is expected to strengthen digital inclusion and improve access to connectivity and digitally enabled public services.

The two sides further examined opportunities linked to the Luigi Broglio Space Centre in Malindi, including ways to unlock its commercial and research potential. Discussions also covered the possibility of supporting high-speed subsea connectivity through the Blue Raman cable, which could contribute to reducing data costs for Kenyan consumers.

Digital skills development was another key area of the discussions, with Kenya and Italy exploring deeper collaboration through the country’s technical and vocational education and training institutions. The partnership is intended to strengthen advanced digital skills among young Kenyans and prepare them for opportunities in the global digital economy.

Tanui said the focus moving forward would be on translating international agreements and partnerships into practical outcomes, including sustainable digital jobs, innovation and wider economic opportunities for Kenyans.

The renewed cooperation comes as Kenya continues to position digital infrastructure, smart-city technologies, skills development and connectivity as key pillars of its digital economy strategy.