By Patricia Okumu
The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) members have voted for Nairobi, Kenya to be the host of their annual high-level conference in 2024.
At the 39th World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation in Spain’s Cartuja Science and Technology Park, voting took place. The Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) submitted the bid, which had the backing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
According to MFA, Nairobi, Kenya got 84 votes ahead of Quebec, Canada which garnered 18 votes. IASP announced the choice via their official social media channels, which incited enthusiasm among different ICT industry participants in Kenya. They lauded the decision as one that will open up a wealth of potential for ICT growth in the nation.
“We are elated by the news of winning a bid to host the 2024 World Conference of International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP). We thank the members for the confidence in Kenya,” said the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Konza Technopolis John Tanui.
Konza is a smart city in that it focuses on sustainability by concentrating on aspects such as zero net carbon emissions, energy efficiency and also using information, communications, and technology (ICT). It is also one of the main flagship initiatives of Kenya’s economic strategy, Vision 2030.
Once completed, it will be a world-class city, powered by a thriving (ICT) sector, superior reliable infrastructure and business friendly governance systems. The news of Kenya hosting the 2024 conference has been well received by various players in the ICT sector in Kenya as it will bring forth more opportunities for ICT to grow in Kenya, and Africa in general.
The International Association of Science Parks and Innovation Areas has over 300 members from 75 different nations, with Konza being one of them. Kenya is the continent’s chair, according to the CEO, who was speaking at a recent Investor’s forum.
“I also sit on the board of that global organisation so we are able to see what is happening across the world in that space and this means we are connected to any other place of science and technology,” said the CEO.
