[New Video & Audio Podcast] Konza Technopolis: Lucas Omollo on the Smart City’s Progress, Future Plans, and the IASP Conference.
Watch The Video Podcast Below:
Listen To The Audio Podcast Below:
As Kenya continues to work towards its Vision 2030 goals, Konza Technopolis is a key pillar of its technology innovation and a hub for driving the country’s digital transformation. In a recent conversation with Lucas John Omollo, Chief Manager of ICT & Smart City Solutions at Konza, we discussed the impressive progress the smart city has made, future aspirations, and the significance of the upcoming 41st International Association of Science Parks (IASP) World Conference, which will be hosted by Konza in Nairobi at the Edge Convention Centre from the 24th to the 27th September 2024.
Lucas Omollo: Leading the Charge in Smart City Innovation
Lucas Omollo’s journey from a junior software engineer to a key leader at Konza is a story of continuous learning and a passion for technology that serves humanity. With over 12 years of experience in Kenya’s technology ecosystem and four years in senior leadership, Lucas has played a pivotal role in transforming Konza Technopolis into a global smart city and technology hub.
Konza, under Lucas’ leadership from a technology perspective, has implemented a variety of critical projects, including the Konza National Data Center and smart city infrastructure, both of which have received international recognition. The National Data Center has earned both Uptime Tier III and LEED Platinum certifications, making it a sustainable, world-class facility that supports government services, private enterprises, and innovation-driven solutions.
Beyond data center infrastructure, Konza has integrated smart city solutions like intelligent traffic systems, digital signage, and pollution sensors, which use real-time data to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses.
Konza’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Lucas emphasized the potential for Konza to play a critical role in Kenya’s digital economy. Over the next two to five years, the city plans to create 17,000 jobs in IT-enabled services, increase Kenya’s GDP by 2%, and further support the BPO and gig economy through programs like JITUME, which is currently setting up digital labs across the country.
In addition, Konza is positioning itself as a regional data hub, with the capacity to serve neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The upcoming Kenyan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), modeled after Korea’s KAIST, will further support Konza’s vision by fostering innovation in STEM disciplines and creating an ecosystem of talent that is closely connected to industry needs.
Moreover, Konza is expanding into the creative economy with plans for a Digital Media City, a dedicated area for film production, animation, gaming, and entertainment. This will not only create jobs but also place Kenya on the map as a global destination for creative industries.
The 41st IASP World Conference
This year, Konza Technopolis will host the 41st International Association of Science Parks (IASP) World Conference, a prestigious global event that will bring together leaders in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Scheduled for September 24th-27th, 2024, this is the first time the conference will be held in Kenya, marking a milestone for both Kenya and the continent.
The conference theme, “Demographics, Entrepreneurship, and Technology: Defining the Frontiers of Future Economies,” resonates deeply with Kenya’s position as a regional technology hub. Featuring a youthful population and an increasing focus on entrepreneurship, the event will explore how Kenya and the rest of Africa can leverage its demographic advantages to solve global challenges in employment, sustainability, and technology adoption.
The conference will be open to a wide audience, including startups, government officials, universities, private sector players, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and innovation.
How to Register for the IASP Conference
Time is running out! To attend this prestigious event and network with global innovators, register via the official IASP World Conference website:
https://www.iaspworldconference.com/register/.
For those traveling to Nairobi, Kenya Airways, the official travel partner for the event, is offering up to 15% off international flights and 7% off domestic flights using the promo code KONZA24. Book via the Kenya Airways website or mobile app:
https://www.kenya-airways.com/en/promotions/41st-iasp-world-conference/
