Group seeks to set up smart schools at Konza City

An artistic representation of Konza Techno City. FILE 

By MARK OKUTTAH, mokuttah@ke.nationmedia.com

In Summary

• “We are convinced that the eight smart schools in Konza will be setup. We are determined to mobilize our members to either invest individually, through a company or through the association and we believe it is possible, we are going to invest in Konza” said Peter Ndoro, CEO Kenya Private Schools Association.
•  Konza aims to attract research, education and commercial partners in Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES), life sciences and engineering.

The Kenya Private schools Association and the International Schools Association are in talks with Konza Technopolis Development Authority to set up eight smart schools at Konza Techno City.

The meeting between KoTDA and Kenya Private schools Association as well as the International Schools Association, comes about three weeks after KoTDA presented 24 parcels of land to the private sector, with an aim of attracting investors interested in taking up long term investment in Konza City.

A smart school is a technology aided learning institution designed to prepare students for the information age.

Konza aims to attract research, education and commercial partners in Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES), life sciences and engineering.

Kenya anticipates that increased innovation will lead to an increase in patenting, increased quality will produce relevant skilled workforce for industries. The city will attract investors and build programs aimed at commercializing the products of research.

Determined to mobilise

“We are convinced that the eight smart schools in Konza will be setup. We are determined to mobilize our members to either invest individually, through a company or through the association and we believe it is possible, we are going to invest in Konza” said Peter Ndoro, CEO Kenya Private Schools Association.

Phase 1A of Konza City will see 60 acres of land curved out of the larger 5000 acres set aside for the development of Konza City. The 60 acres will be leased out to investors for the development of low and higher density buildings that accommodate both commercial and residential premises.

“We are working with stakeholders to ensure that the educational needs of students inform the planning and development of the school’s infrastructure at Konza City. It will also enable the new facility design and the organization of education services to better meet contemporary education needs,” said John Tanui, CEO KoTDA.

He added that Konza City intends to provide a conducive environment where learning is delivered in an exciting way while connecting it with industry demands. The schools will leverage on technology to build educators who are well grounded with both theoretical and practical knowledge.