Kenya has entered into a partnership with the Korea Trade Centre (KOTRA) to fast-track its race to digital and smart infrastructural projects.
The deal comprises a smart city master plan that will guide the development of the five digital cities, namely Lamu, Dongo Kundu, Athi River, Sagana and Naivasha.
Under the agreement, smart driving licensing system will be rolled out that will underpin a transportation network and smart mobility plans to complement the urban functions of Konza Technopolis.
Signatories to the deal are Kumkang East Africa Limited, a subsidiary of South Korea’s Kumkang Kind that deals in Aluminium formwork building systems, and construction firms EPCO Builders and Unity Homes.
Last November President Ruto made a State visit to Korea to discuss a raft of trade deals.
The five towns slated to be smart cities will be reflective of South Korea’s Incheon Free Economic Zone in the Seoul Capital Area.
KOTRA’s Nairobi managing director Ikhyun Eom has acknowledged the body’s position as the link between Kenyan and Korean governments, stating it will remain dedicated to fostering and facilitating trade and mutual growth between the two nations.
“One of KOTRA’s primary objectives is to enhance Kenya’s participation in the construction sector, particularly in the realm of smart cities. We firmly believe that investing in smart city initiatives not only enhances the quality of life of citizens but also presents a fertile ground for economic growth and job creation,” said Eom.
Kenya is banking on the transfer of tech expertise from South Korea to spur its economic digital shift, given that the Asian nation is one of the world’s leaders in technology.
South Korea has been a key player in Kenya’s digital revolution journey through a myriad of technical and financial interventions, including provision of grants and credit facilities for construction of strategic tech infrastructure.
The country for example extended a $6 million (Sh831 million) grant to Kenya in March last year for construction of horizontal infrastructure, planning and security installations at the Konza City project.
Korea had a year earlier advanced a Sh9.6 billion credit facility to aid in the construction of Kenya’s first ever smart university, the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), also domiciled within Konza.
