Comments on: The Trouble with Konza http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/ Nairobi's Innovation Hub Sat, 18 May 2013 13:16:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: Francis http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-7310 Francis Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:58:19 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-7310 Conrad, those were some realistic points you raised. The unfortunate thing is, the government would've been better off trying to solve things the slower, growth focused way, so that as Kenyans, we stumble as we find our way so that one day we might be able to compete globally. These multinationals will come here but will never release their trade secrets to us, and us they bring their dollars and expertise, many companies will focus on their solutions. However, all is not lost, we understand the local problems, better than the multinationals and if we focus on that and providing value, plus going out of our way, to accomodate how kenyan businesses operate, we will succeed, All the best to us Conrad, those were some realistic points you raised. The unfortunate thing is, the government would’ve been better off trying to solve things the slower, growth focused way, so that as Kenyans, we stumble as we find our way so that one day we might be able to compete globally. These multinationals will come here but will never release their trade secrets to us, and us they bring their dollars and expertise, many companies will focus on their solutions. However, all is not lost, we understand the local problems, better than the multinationals and if we focus on that and providing value, plus going out of our way, to accomodate how kenyan businesses operate, we will succeed, All the best to us

]]> By: Robert http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4788 Robert Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:04:37 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4788 Thank you for a great insight to this dream especially by challenging the 'comfort zone' around Konza where no one wants to talk negatively about something that kind of makes us proud. However, i beg to differ with the location issue. Most folks who live in Nairobi are not actually born and raised in this city. They moved because something was calling. Konza might be a city that was placed 'nowhere' but the bigger picture is actually the infrastructure that will AROUND it. You and your family might get a better(new) house and your staff will not have to commute as even cheaper housing will be in the vicinity. Thank you for a great insight to this dream especially by challenging the ‘comfort zone’ around Konza where no one wants to talk negatively about something that kind of makes us proud.

However, i beg to differ with the location issue. Most folks who live in Nairobi are not actually born and raised in this city. They moved because something was calling. Konza might be a city that was placed ‘nowhere’ but the bigger picture is actually the infrastructure that will AROUND it.

You and your family might get a better(new) house and your staff will not have to commute as even cheaper housing will be in the vicinity.

]]> By: Adamsy http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4778 Adamsy Sat, 06 Oct 2012 10:55:00 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4778 Awesome thought about the whole Konza City concept. I like point no. 5! Glad the university I'm at is currently on a pilot program for such initiatives. To let students work on real life projects and help automate some of the governments systems. Awesome thought about the whole Konza City concept. I like point no. 5! Glad the university I’m at is currently on a pilot program for such initiatives. To let students work on real life projects and help automate some of the governments systems.

]]> By: David Svarrer http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4741 David Svarrer Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:41:35 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4741 Dear Conrad, That was some kind of sharing, huh? However, I think you have a big focus on what the government should do, and not so much of a focus on what is possible for us to do. Worst case - Konza city will not become reality - it is a vital focal point for the IT industry to see what is possible. Now, Silicon valley was built in the desert. In terms of all the problems raised, I find them minimal. Basic needs for a Konza city to start, is not gazillions of money, but the right mindset, and sufficient with people having that mindset. I see in Konza city a vision which has been pretty clearly published. I also see possibilities for a growth for our region without comparison with anything from the past. And then - contrary to what I read from your very well written article, I tend to disagree that the government should do very much more than just "make it possible". Already by now, a very good (main - Mombasa) road connects Konza City. Water, electricity should not be difficult to find. Power can be generated by solar panels. No generators needed. If we do here in Kenya what they do elsewhere - have the government provide what they are best at: Infrastructure, then let industrialists provide the rest - then I think we have a formula for success. With infrastructure I mean: Land, Roads, Rails, Water, Sewage, Power, Communication. Then let the rest of us rent plots there so that we can start building this great vision and make it happen. Warmly Svarrer Dear Conrad, That was some kind of sharing, huh? However, I think you have a big focus on what the government should do, and not so much of a focus on what is possible for us to do. Worst case – Konza city will not become reality – it is a vital focal point for the IT industry to see what is possible. Now, Silicon valley was built in the desert. In terms of all the problems raised, I find them minimal. Basic needs for a Konza city to start, is not gazillions of money, but the right mindset, and sufficient with people having that mindset. I see in Konza city a vision which has been pretty clearly published. I also see possibilities for a growth for our region without comparison with anything from the past. And then – contrary to what I read from your very well written article, I tend to disagree that the government should do very much more than just “make it possible”. Already by now, a very good (main – Mombasa) road connects Konza City. Water, electricity should not be difficult to find. Power can be generated by solar panels. No generators needed. If we do here in Kenya what they do elsewhere – have the government provide what they are best at: Infrastructure, then let industrialists provide the rest – then I think we have a formula for success. With infrastructure I mean: Land, Roads, Rails, Water, Sewage, Power, Communication.

Then let the rest of us rent plots there so that we can start building this great vision and make it happen.

Warmly
Svarrer

]]> By: Francis http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4734 Francis Wed, 03 Oct 2012 05:25:48 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4734 Great piece or written mind. Konza is one very big ambitious dream of our government and country at large. In kenya, i believe we have thousands of graduates in technology every year and one measure to avoid technology and online crimes in future is to have such visions . Many countries in Europe have fallen into technology criminal gangs for not taking great measures earlier , Nigeria is an example here in Africa. The government the other day was suggesting to allow minimal tax to foreign IT firms who invest in kenya. this is also one way of helping the local people by creating jobs. I hope they have a package for the local investors who invest their resources, time , future and dreams to better our country and also help the country achieve its visions whether 2030 , now or future. Konza is one big step. but before konza , we need to have good transport system to and from the place, good and constant power supply, you can imagine having to have generator backups and using them all the time with all your servers and machines, water , security just to mention but a few. Unless we invest massive in the small issues i have named above, the city wont last even an year . my 2 cents Great piece or written mind. Konza is one very big ambitious dream of our government and country at large. In kenya, i believe we have thousands of graduates in technology every year and one measure to avoid technology and online crimes in future is to have such visions . Many countries in Europe have fallen into technology criminal gangs for not taking great measures earlier , Nigeria is an example here in Africa. The government the other day was suggesting to allow minimal tax to foreign IT firms who invest in kenya. this is also one way of helping the local people by creating jobs.

I hope they have a package for the local investors who invest their resources, time , future and dreams to better our country and also help the country achieve its visions whether 2030 , now or future. Konza is one big step. but before konza , we need to have good transport system to and from the place, good and constant power supply, you can imagine having to have generator backups and using them all the time with all your servers and machines, water , security just to mention but a few.

Unless we invest massive in the small issues i have named above, the city wont last even an year .

my 2 cents

]]> By: Kim http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4714 Kim Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:45:10 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4714 The government is cought up in a fantacy of an Ict park while the world's technology is far much than that. Am talking about Trillions of USD investment in technology. We cant beat that but it seems as if the governmet wants us to be some kind of technology specialistic country. We are far below that line. Getting our economy to skyrise doesn't need such things as Konza. It doesnt even need overspending. All it requires is investment in attractive business environment. The roads theyve been building is a nice eg. Now what remains is abolishment of corruption and harmful politics and such policies as would attract more investors into the country and gradually, unemployment will be done away with and we'll be ahead in technology. Technology isn't only about computers. It covers more and that needs more cash. We can't do it alone without foreign investors in all industries. If we attract, bring 'em and keep em', then we don't need to worry of no park building or anything. Foreign investors will do that for us. The government is cought up in a fantacy of an Ict park while the world’s technology is far much than that. Am talking about Trillions of USD investment in technology. We cant beat that but it seems as if the governmet wants us to be some kind of technology specialistic country. We are far below that line. Getting our economy to skyrise doesn’t need such things as Konza. It doesnt even need overspending. All it requires is investment in attractive business environment. The roads theyve been building is a nice eg. Now what remains is abolishment of corruption and harmful politics and such policies as would attract more investors into the country and gradually, unemployment will be done away with and we’ll be ahead in technology. Technology isn’t only about computers. It covers more and that needs more cash. We can’t do it alone without foreign investors in all industries. If we attract, bring ‘em and keep em’, then we don’t need to worry of no park building or anything. Foreign investors will do that for us.

]]> By: Ravinder Paul Singh http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4710 Ravinder Paul Singh Tue, 02 Oct 2012 05:53:23 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4710 The article has its agreeable and disagreeable notes. I agree largely with the author about the planning, incentives and lifestyle considerations. However, Nairobi is not the whole country, there should be specialized centers of excellence, which could be spread throughout the country to have overall development. If we were to take Konza city project and localize it to Nairobi, it would create other issues of urbanization - housing for increased nos., infrastructure support, traffic etc.Personally, I believe Nairobi is choking under all the masses which currently reside and commute to Nairobi. I do agree, however, that proper planning and lifestyle considerations do need to be taken into account. There should be some incentives that should be added for local enterprises - big and small. Initiatives like these are not always perfect and there would be some hitches along the way. A lot would be dependent on how committed the future governments are, citizens goodwill, serious considerations and mitigation of issues which the author has raised Ravinder The article has its agreeable and disagreeable notes. I agree largely with the author about the planning, incentives and lifestyle considerations. However, Nairobi is not the whole country, there should be specialized centers of excellence, which could be spread throughout the country to have overall development.

If we were to take Konza city project and localize it to Nairobi, it would create other issues of urbanization – housing for increased nos., infrastructure support, traffic etc.Personally, I believe Nairobi is choking under all the masses which currently reside and commute to Nairobi.

I do agree, however, that proper planning and lifestyle considerations do need to be taken into account. There should be some incentives that should be added for local enterprises – big and small. Initiatives like these are not always perfect and there would be some hitches along the way.

A lot would be dependent on how committed the future governments are, citizens goodwill, serious considerations and mitigation of issues which the author has raised

Ravinder

]]> By: Jim Shamoon http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4709 Jim Shamoon Tue, 02 Oct 2012 04:25:15 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4709 Good article. Konza is great, but us guys cannot start looking at it till infrastructure is in and working and accomodation and social hubs ie java etc are operating. As usual govt is trying to emulate countries with far more resources. We are told of Dubai Film City, of South Africa, and others who have economies that can pay for this out of petty cash. We cannot tomorrow start a space program because richer countries have one. It is a great project, but for me, it is for later, right now I have issues with school fees...... Good article. Konza is great, but us guys cannot start looking at it till infrastructure is in and working and accomodation and social hubs ie java etc are operating.
As usual govt is trying to emulate countries with far more resources. We are told of Dubai Film City, of South Africa, and others who have economies that can pay for this out of petty cash. We cannot tomorrow start a space program because richer countries have one. It is a great project, but for me, it is for later, right now I have issues with school fees……

]]> By: David Kimana http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4708 David Kimana Tue, 02 Oct 2012 02:58:54 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4708 Objective, informative, eye opening and straight to the point. Before embarking on konza, build on policies that will grow the ICT sector such that konza will be NEEDED in the first place Objective, informative, eye opening and straight to the point. Before embarking on konza, build on policies that will grow the ICT sector such that konza will be NEEDED in the first place

]]> By: John Weru http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4702 John Weru Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:47:17 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4702 Here is an article I penned in March about the Konza Technopolis. It's an alternative view. http://www.konzaltant.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47:konza-lessons-from-the-past&catid=34:articles&Itemid=53 Here is an article I penned in March about the Konza Technopolis. It’s an alternative view. http://www.konzaltant.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47:konza-lessons-from-the-past&catid=34:articles&Itemid=53

]]> By: Wilfred Oluoch http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4698 Wilfred Oluoch Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:35:49 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4698 Very well put Conrad. I have always though that if the government setup a "super-connected" building in CDB or the environs and let tech-preneurs work from there, there would be no need for Konza. At least in the short term. How about a "Konza Building" right here in the CDD? isn't that much easier? Some floors can be cubicles for incubation, some 1, 2 ,3, 4 room offices, other floors /wings can be taken by other tech companies. Have everything tech in that building. And make it as tall as times tower. Then you can have hellipad's for bringing these Execs from the Airport (rather than a train to Konza). And A Hotel in the same building. Very well put Conrad.
I have always though that if the government setup a “super-connected” building in CDB or the environs and let tech-preneurs work from there, there would be no need for Konza. At least in the short term.

How about a “Konza Building” right here in the CDD? isn’t that much easier?

Some floors can be cubicles for incubation, some 1, 2 ,3, 4 room offices, other floors /wings can be taken by other tech companies.

Have everything tech in that building. And make it as tall as times tower. Then you can have hellipad’s for bringing these Execs from the Airport (rather than a train to Konza). And A Hotel in the same building.

]]> By: Upin Vasani http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4696 Upin Vasani Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:09:23 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4696 Excellent write-up with constructive criticism. Brilliant piece for follow-up Excellent write-up with constructive criticism. Brilliant piece for follow-up

]]> By: Jon http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4693 Jon Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:53:05 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4693 I beg to differ Mr. Akunga. As much as I sympathise and agree with you on some of the points made above I personally think that the Konza project is meant to be much bigger than individual operations like your company. It is meant to create an infrastructure and provide a conducive environment that attracts larger tech investments to the country. Although it might seem as if it does nothing for you and your small outfit at the moment, I believe the impact will be felt when bigger players enter the market and seek smaller local ventures like your's to partner with. So its not a lost battle as such. I beg to differ Mr. Akunga. As much as I sympathise and agree with you on some of the points made above I personally think that the Konza project is meant to be much bigger than individual operations like your company. It is meant to create an infrastructure and provide a conducive environment that attracts larger tech investments to the country. Although it might seem as if it does nothing for you and your small outfit at the moment, I believe the impact will be felt when bigger players enter the market and seek smaller local ventures like your’s to partner with. So its not a lost battle as such.

]]> By: Kenneth http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4690 Kenneth Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:03:42 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4690 Nice job on addressing the very issues that face us day in day out as we commute to our work places. Nice job on addressing the very issues that face us day in day out as we commute to our work places.

]]> By: rkahendi http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4656 rkahendi Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:41:15 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4656 Great piece. I have had a hard time taking Konza seriously. Why build a brand new city in the middle of "nowhere" when we have plenty of neglected cities that could do with just such a vision? Great piece. I have had a hard time taking Konza seriously. Why build a brand new city in the middle of “nowhere” when we have plenty of neglected cities that could do with just such a vision?

]]> By: Carl Malamud http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4654 Carl Malamud Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:18:08 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4654 Has government considered moving to Konza, then making the freed-up space in the central business district available to innovative startups at lower rents? Totally agree with you on the huge downside of a long commute. It would kill your business and sap your soul. Nice piece! Has government considered moving to Konza, then making the freed-up space in the central business district available to innovative startups at lower rents?

Totally agree with you on the huge downside of a long commute. It would kill your business and sap your soul.

Nice piece!

]]> By: Denis http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/2012/09/the-trouble-with-konza/comment-page-1/#comment-4652 Denis Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:18:34 +0000 http://www.ihub.co.ke/blog/?p=10624#comment-4652 can't agree more. The govt should av thought of putting an enabling environment for ICT and entrepreneurial development. Konza city is a wise idea by the govt, but was not properly designed. Even the American Silicon Valley wasn't builtin a day, but came about after years of research, innovations and concepts development. This is what we need. Satellite tech parks and biz parks for research, mentoring and innovations is all we need. Let the govt strewn them across the country, and wait for how amazing ideas and innovations will come about. Not Konza city! can’t agree more. The govt should av thought of putting an enabling environment for ICT and entrepreneurial development. Konza city is a wise idea by the govt, but was not properly designed. Even the American Silicon Valley wasn’t builtin a day, but came about after years of research, innovations and concepts development. This is what we need. Satellite tech parks and biz parks for research, mentoring and innovations is all we need. Let the govt strewn them across the country, and wait for how amazing ideas and innovations will come about. Not Konza city!

]]>