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Top Korean university in talks to set up campus at Konza technology city

KONZA

An artist’s impression of the Konza Technopolis in Malili, Machakos. PHOTO | FILE

The renowned Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kaist) is among top universities that have lined up to open shop at the Konza Techno City.

The university is currently in talks with the Ministry of Education and the Konza Techonopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) on the modalities of setting up in a deal expected to be finalised before end of the year.

The university is a Korean government-funded research institute designed to maximise the efficiency of science and technology research and development, and support high-tech research and development.

“We’re in talks with Kaist and a formal announcement on the pact will be made public before the end of the year by the Ministry of Education. Kaist helped transform South Korea to a developed country through research and development and it is this model that we want to leverage on,” said the KoTDA chief executive John Tanui.

The institute undertakes sophisticated research and development initiatives by collecting science and technology information from countries around the world and providing the information to companies and research institutions.

Apart from the South Korean Institute, local universities that have a focus on technology and innovation are also said to have shown interest in Konza.

READ: Smart tech to power Konza services, says CEO

KoTDA aims to have at least three universities in phase one of development of the park, two secondary schools and eight public and/or private schools.

Mr Tanui said the authority intends to leverage on institutions of higher learning to drive innovation and reposition Konza as the premier information technology hub for the continent.

KoTDA has lined up several projects such as building of an office complex that will house State agencies at a cost of Sh980 million, with a completion date set for January 2017.

The State agency also plans to put up a data centre at a cost of Sh621 million, a waste water management treatment system at Sh940 million, electrical services at Sh2.7 billion and roads and infrastructure at Sh4.8 billion.