MoU signed to facilitate development of smart cities in Kenya

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed in favour of the development of smart cities in Kenya. The MoU was signed between the government of the East African country Korea. They were represented by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy and the Korea Trade Center Nairobi (KOTRA) respectively.

It will help foster and promote partnerships and investments in the development of smart cities in Kenya. For starters, the MoU will see the two nations build a total of 5,000 affordable homes. The homes will be built in Mavoko, Machakos as well as the Tatu City Special Economic Zone. Importantly, this MoU opens a roadmap that empowers Kenya to construct 5 digital cities in Lamu, Dongo Kundu, Athi River, Sagana, and Naivasha.

The development of smart cities in Kenya was advocated by the nation in its Vision 2030 master plan.

The MoU for the Development of smart cities in Kenya to cater to the creation of a forward-thinking transport system

The deal, in which Kumkang East Africa Limited, EPCO Builders, and Unity Homes were among the signatories, cut across public infrastructure, in addition to transportation/logistics, sustainable energy and residential development. It will thus provide for the creation of a forward-thinking transport network (smart mobility). Smart mobility encompasses electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, ride-share solutions, and vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity (ultrasonic, radar, and camera).

As part of the forward-thinking transport network, driver licenses will be equipped with a chip containing the owner’s bio-data and a unique number. As a result, this will ensure drivers’ history can be tracked by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Importantly, both technologies are critical in next-generation thus explaining why Kenya wants to bolster the urban offerings of Konza smart city. Konza secured approval as a flagship smart city project of the Vision 2030 program which aims to transform Kenya. The project will make the country newly industrialized.  Additionally, the middle-income country aims at providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030.