Konza Technopolis becomes Africa's first smart city with a registered wildlife conservancy
via Tuko3 min read
Konza Technopolis has achieved provisional registration for a wildlife conservancy, making it the first purpose-built smart city in Africa to do so. The Kenya Wildlife Service officially granted the registration for the Konza Technopolis Wildlife Conservancy, a protected area spanning 404.69 hectares within the smart city development in Makueni county. This conservancy includes a 1,000-acre wildlife corridor, part of the city's 5,000-acre master plan, designed to protect biodiversity while allowing modern infrastructure and technological innovation to coexist with the natural environment. The protected area is part of the wider Athi-Kapiti Ecosystem and provides habitat for species such as the Grey Crowned Crane, Maasai Giraffe, zebras, and gazelles. Technopolis Development Authority CEO John Paul Okwiri stated that this achievement demonstrates that technological advancement and environmental conservation are complementary pillars of sustainable development. The conservancy is expected to boost eco-tourism, wildlife research, carbon-credit opportunities, and ESG-focused investments, aligning with Kenya's commitments to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 15.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Must ReadPresident William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja have launched Social Health Authority SHA medical cover for 7,820 Community Health Promoters CHPs in Nairobi. This initiative makes Nairobi's CHPs the first group of community health workers in Kenya to receive comprehensive SHA coverage. During a meeting at State House, President Ruto and Governor Sakaja presented a cheque to facilitate the registration and payment of SHA premiums for these frontline health workers. President Ruto urged other governors to follow suit, emphasizing the CHPs' role in transforming healthcare by bringing services directly to households and registering millions of Kenyans onto the SHA. He noted that SHA has registered 33 million people, compared to eight million under the previous NHIF, and now pays approximately 12 billion shillings monthly, a significant increase from NHIF's 5.6 billion shillings every three months. Governor Sakaja highlighted that Kenya's Universal Health Coverage reforms are succeeding due to the CHPs, who he described as the backbone of the country's new healthcare model. He cited the Health Service Investment Case 2023, stating that every dollar invested in CHPs yields 14 dollars in return. Sakaja also mentioned Nairobi's comprehensive Nurturing Care Framework for maternal and child health, supporting children from conception through early childhood. He recalled his past efforts as Nairobi Senator to champion the welfare of community health workers, which led to thei
Must ReadFormer Migori governor Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo, and Caspal Obiero have started their prison sentences at Industrial Area Remand Prison following their conviction for the murder of student Sharon Otieno. The trio, who arrived after dinner service, were housed in Block G, a section often used for high-profile remandees and prisoners. They were issued a mattress, bed, and blanket, sharing a room with former Nairobi Central Police Station Commander Samson Talaam. Ironically, Obado had previously donated a television set to the prison, which was in the room where he slept. Prison life for inmates begins at 6 am with a headcount, followed by breakfast of porridge. Prisoners then attend a 'parliament' session before being assigned tasks like cooking or cleaning. Meals include options like ugali and beans, and the final meal is served between 3 pm and 3:30 pm, with cells locked at 6 pm. Family visits are limited to 10 minutes and are supervised. Money for prisoners is deposited into an account for use at the prison shop. A prison official emphasized that all prisoners are treated equally, with sleeping quarters assigned based on risk level, not status. The initial days in prison are often difficult due to psychological shock, and inmates receive counseling. Obado's life, despite his former position, will now follow the routine of other prisoners, including low-cost meals and crowded dormitories, as he awaits his verdict and appeal.
Must ReadFive months after President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson signed a cooperation agreement, Nairobi is undergoing significant development through an additional Sh80 billion investment. This partnership, signed on February 17 under Section 6 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, has accelerated infrastructure projects and service delivery. Key outcomes include extensive road improvements, drainage expansion, and pedestrian walkway construction along major transport corridors like Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, and Waiyaki Way. Within the CBD, ageing pavements are being replaced with modern blocks on streets such as Mama Ngina Street and Moi Avenue. Over 160 kilometers of roads out of a targeted 300 kilometers across Nairobi's 85 wards have been completed or substantially rehabilitated. Flood mitigation is also a priority, with emergency centers designated and drainage systems desilted in anticipation of potential El Ni帽o rains. The agreement has also advanced security reforms, with Kamukunji Police Station identified as the proposed headquarters for the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit. Street lighting installation is progressing, targeting over 100,000 lights by December to enhance public safety and support a 24-hour economy. Market upgrades are underway at Gikomba and City Park, and environmental restoration efforts include the rehabilitation of the Kibagare River and the transformation of Globe Roundabout into a public space. Waste collection has intensified, an