Korea Trade Centre, Nairobi (KOTRA), the Commercial Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, and the Kenyan Government through the Ministry of ICT and the digital economy have announced a raft of strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating digital and infrastructural development within select urban & rural centers in Kenya.
The partnerships are on the backdrop of a State Visit by HE President William Ruto in November 2022 that was aimed at fostering mutually beneficial investment relations between the two states.
The Partnerships announced today involved the signing of an MOU for the construction of more than five thousand affordable homes in Mavoko, Machakos County and Tatu City Special Economic Zone, the development of a smart city master plan, the establishment of a Smart Driving Licensing System to underpin a transportation network and smart mobility plans that will meet urban functions of Konza Technopolis.
Private corporations that were signatories of the MOUs included Kumkang East Africa Ltd a subsidiary of Kumkang Kind South Korea that deals in Aluminum formwork building systems, EPCO Builders Limited and Unity Homes Limited.
Speaking during the session, Eng John Tanui – Principal secretary of the state department of ICT and the digital economy said that the government is focused on creating an enabling environment for innovation and emerging technologies and is conscious of the impact of using these technologies for attaining sustainable infrastructure.
“The government has played an enabling environment through various legal and regulatory frameworks to spur Kenya’s digital economy namely; The National ICT Policy, Digital Economy Blue Print, National ICT Master Plan (2022-2032), National Cyber Security Strategy 2022, Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 and Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018 among other policy interventions,” he said.
On his part, Mr. Ikhyun Eom KOTRA’s Nairobi managing director said that as the trade bridge between the government of Kenya and Korea, KOTRA is 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 Mr Ikhyun.
Mr Yuseok Kim said that South Korea will do its best to boost Kenya’s ICT and digital infrastructure. He is the Managing Director of NZIA Connect which is among the Korean Technology Companies promoting the adoption of TV white space Wi-Fi technologies the world over.
