This archive report was first published on 26 October 2021.
On October 26, 2021, Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) announced plans to partner with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to connect investors with viable tech start-up businesses.
The partnership aims to support KoTDA in nurturing local tech start-up firms to grow and commercialise their ideas, in line with the Knowledge Economy and Innovation pillar of KoTDA's second strategic plan (2021-2025).
According to KoTDA CEO John Tanui, the Authority is keen on partnerships with organisations that will support KoTDA to create a conducive environment for technology start-ups and SMEs to thrive and scale in partnership with other actors in the Innovation Ecosystem.
“KoTDA is focusing on creating partnerships that will help Kenyan tech start-up companies to grow into global entities,” said Eng. Tanui.
The Authority is also evaluating the funding models that can be created in partnership with the NSE to support Kenyan tech start-ups to raise capital and enable more Kenyans to participate in the development of the Konza Technopolis.
“Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) are among the funding models KoTDA is considering to tap into as we engage the NSE. Our aim is to ensure that at least 90 percent of the investment in Konza Technopolis is derived from the private sector,” said Eng. Tanui.
NSE Chairman, Mr. Kiprono Kittony hailed the progress made in the development of the Konza Technopolis, adding that Konza Technopolis has the potential to enable Kenya’s economy to leap forward into the status of an emerging market for foreign investors looking to invest in Kenya.
“Kenya is currently considered a frontier market. For Kenya’s economy to leap forward into the emerging market status, we need to create more investment opportunities that will attract global investors to Kenya. As one of Kenya’s flagship economic projects under the Kenya Vision 2030, Konza Technopolis has what it takes to grow Kenya’s economy and position it for more Foreign Direct Investment,” said Mr. Kittony.
