The newly sworn-in board of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) has pledged to expedite the city’s development to support Kenya’s emerging digital economy.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo addressed the members saying, “You have got heavy responsibilities on your shoulders as newly appointed members of the board and we expect you to exercise your proper oversight as required.”
The CS noted that Kenya’s government is depending on Konza Technopolis to effectively establish Kenya as Africa’s ICT powerhouse.
To ensure that the goals of KoTDA and the ministry are met, the government has created and signed contracts with other parastatals and government institutions, and the new board is expected to cooperate with them.
Prof. Raphael Munavu will serve as the next board’s chairman for three years. Other members include Pacifica Chepkosgei, Philip Nyakwaka Olero, Samuel Kariuki Maina, Bertha Denna, and Charles Kilonzo.
“Today, we welcome a new Board led by Prof. Munavu who is an academic champion and a great leader. We are looking forward to seeing the city accelerate its impact. We want to see Konza Technopolis attracting new investments,” said Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy.
Trans Nzoia County senator and the head of the ICT senate committee, Allan Chesang praised Konza Technopolis’ development and assured stakeholders that the Konza Bill would be passed quickly and that the incoming administration would have their support while the project was carried out.
“I am so impressed by what PS Eng. Tanui started eight years ago. This is a very big project and despite the challenges, they have done a lot. We look forward to supporting the new leadership and we are working hand in hand to make sure that we expedite the process of enacting the Bill. We are having continuous engagements to ensure that the Bill is passed for this project to continue growing and increase investor confidence.” said Senator Chesang.
Prof. Raphael Munavu, the new board chairman of KoTDA, congratulated the project’s partners and said that his administration will work to advance the city’s growth in the days ahead.
The previous board was headed by Dr. Rueben Mutiso and the members include Richard Kimani, Ishmail Dhora,Pamela Tutui, Hilda Moraa and Joseph Mwele.