Big Win For Ruto In Mission To Establish Digital Hubs Countrywide

The Technopolis Bill of 2024, aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030, which seeks to transition the country into a knowledge-based economy.

Big Win For Ruto In Mission To Establish Digital Hubs Countrywide
President William Ruto at the Belgut Technical Training Institute and Belgut TTI Digital Hub in Kericho County on March 14, 2024. /PCS

The National Assembly on Tuesday, November 19 passed the Technopolis Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 6 of 2024), which proposes the establishment of a comprehensive framework to govern the development and management of Technopolis hubs across the country. 

The Bill, moved by the Chairperson of the Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, MP John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), seeks to create the Technopolis Development Authority, a body that will oversee the planning, development, and governance of all Technopolises in Kenya.

"As we speak today, Konza remains the only Technopolis in Kenya, but with this Bill, we can pave the way for similar hubs across the country.

A bird's eye view of Parliament as of June 6, 2024. /PARLIAMENT OF KENYA

"From Wajir to Mandera, Kisii to Tharaka, if the land allows, we can establish these innovation hubs to drive technological growth and economic development," stated Kiarie.

The Bill, which contains 65 clauses, aims to transition the Konza Technopolis Development Authority into the broader Technopolis Development Authority, removing the geographical limitation previously tied to Konza.

"This is about turning a good idea into an even better one. By removing 'Konza' from the title, we open the door for the establishment of other Technopolises beyond Konza," he added.

The Bill also proposes the revocation of the 2012 Konza Technopolis Authority Order, a move welcomed by various lawmakers. Irene Mayaka (Nominated MP) seconded the motion, stressing the importance of expanding Technopolis development to other regions in the country.

"This Bill provides a legal framework to establish, manage, and develop Technopolises across the country, addressing the urban challenges we face. No longer will everyone need to flock to Konza for opportunities. We can bring the opportunities to them," stated Mayaka.

In support of the Bill, MP Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South) emphasized the potential for the Technopolis Development Authority to enhance ICT infrastructure and create opportunities for the youth, especially through the establishment of ICT hubs.

"We are bringing three ICT hubs to my constituency this year alone, and the youth will benefit greatly. We have to support the infrastructure and policies needed to make Kenya a leader in the IT sector in East and Central Africa. This authority will help guide us in preparing for technological advancements like AI," remarked Mawathe.

The Technopolis Bill of 2024, aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030, which seeks to transition the country into a knowledge-based economy.

The Bill outlines that the Technopolis Development Authority will play a pivotal role in fostering a high-tech innovation system and bridging the gap between academia and the enterprise sector. Now passed, the Technopolis Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 6 of 2024) is expected to be signed into law.

The Bill hands a significant victory to President William Ruto given that he has been on a relentless drive to launch ICT hubs in every ward to equip youth with the necessary digital skills to tap into online opportunities and earn an income.

President William Ruto with his communications team working on his speech. /TWITTER
Marvin is a man who wears many hats as well as one of many talents. The digital journalist and editor rose from studying a Psychology degree at the United States International University-Africa (USIU) and working as an intern at Kenyans.co.ke to the Founder & Editor-In-Chief at Viral Tea Ke, driving it into one of the fastest-growing digital media platforms in the country. He believes in serving that hot tea; every day and every hour. His skills include editing, writing, social media analytics, teamwork, and good communication skills and is ready to learn, re-learn and unlearn. Previously, Marvin also served as the Digital Editor at Bright Kenya News and has had stints at 254News.co.ke and Afrotape.com as a Content Curator His works as a commentator have been featured in newspapers such as Daily Nation, Business Daily, The Star and People Daily either solo or alongside other fellow young journalists. He is a believer in growing young talent in the media industry, passing on lessons learnt from other experienced digital journalists to scribes that look up to him. Currently, he is pushing to have aviation journalism popular among media houses in Kenya. As a believer in victory, he is a fan of Chelsea Football Club and some say he has a radio voice.

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