Kenya and the Republic of Korea are joining forces in the third year of the Economic Innovation Partnership Programme (EIPP) at Konza Technopolis. This collaborative effort aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development goals, emphasizing flagship projects such as smart farms, incubation complexes, and renewable energy to foster innovation-driven economic growth.

The partnership is poised to significantly contribute to job creation, providing tangible benefits to local communities and attracting substantial investments from both domestic and international sources. Konza Technopolis currently stands as a thriving employment hub, supporting around 4,000 individuals across diverse sectors, thereby injecting vitality into the local economic landscape.

The EIPP, actively aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030, plays a crucial role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship while directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to economic growth, industry, innovation, and sustainable energy.

Initiated in March 2022 through a Memorandum of Understanding between Kenya’s Ministry of ICT and Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the EIPP reflects the enduring and collaborative relationship between the two nations. Principal Secretary John Tanui emphasized the “cordial relationship” between Kenya and South Korea, spanning from technological collaboration to infrastructural development, grounded in shared values since Kenya’s independence.

Acknowledging significant progress over the last two years, with South Korea’s influence evident in areas like innovation policy and sustainable economic development, Principal Secretary John Tanui highlighted the positive trajectory of the collaboration.

Acting Ambassador Kyoo envisions Kenya as the emerging “African Silicon Valley,” driven by collective efforts to establish a smart city in Konza. The Korean government’s commitment to Kenya’s digital transformation was emphasized, with Ambassador Kyoo expressing optimism for tangible, result-oriented outcomes from this collaborative endeavor.

Highlighting a deep-seated sixty-year bilateral relationship, Ambassador Kyoo underscored the strengthened alliance between Kenya and South Korea. The EIPP aims to execute 3 to 5 annually selected projects over four years, establishing mid and long-term strategies for refining legal frameworks, infrastructure planning, and achieving sustainable financing solutions.

Several Korean firms have already engaged in the program’s third year, participating in consultations for innovative projects such as smart farming and tech incubation centers in Konza, showcasing the potential impact of this collaborative initiative.