Konza Technopolis and ASSEK sign MoU to support startups in Kenya

Konza Technopolis and ASSEK sign MoU to support startups in Kenya

Published: 28-03-2022 13:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau | hits: 3852 | Tags:

Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) and the Association of Startups and SME Enablers in Kenya (ASSEK) have signed an MoU to enhance innovation and support startups in Kenya.

The two will utilize existing innovation platforms, conduct joint innovation initiatives and jointly lobby for innovation policies development starting with the Startup Bill that is currently before the Senate. ASSEK will utilize its membership network and partnerships while KoTDA will provide infrastructure and international linkages to actualize the goals of the MoU.

John Tanui, Chief Executive Officer, KoTDA: “Today, we have signed an engagement to ensure that we support startups by enabling them to scale to the next level because we see startups as a solution to some of our national challenges. These startups will also create opportunities for our young people and grow our country’s economy. We are looking forward to making this engagement a success. The engagement with ASSEK will also seek to tap into the global networks to enhance networks with Kenyan startups while creating opportunities to tap into the investment opportunities available at Konza.”

Konza Technopolis is a member of the IASP organisation which is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental, membership based organisation with a worldwide network bringing together over 350 science parks whose key objective is to coordinate an active network of professionals that manage areas of innovation.

Mercy Kimalat, CEO, ASSEK: “We have discussed how we can work together and one of the things we have singled out is the Startup Bill since we recognize that policy is one of the key pillars to build this ecosystem as well as attracting investors. “One of the key things we have identified in working with startups is the challenge of unfavorable environment for them to actualize their ideas for commercialization. One of the areas we have identified at Konza is a conducive infrastructure, environment and other investment opportunities. SMEs have opportunities to set up industries and working space considering the strategic location of Konza Technopolis.”

So far, Konza Technopolis has been working with other partners like the Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs (ACIH). The engagement ASSEK adds to other engagements that the Authority is having with other partners for its development. ASSEK seeks to represent actors within the Kenyan startup and SME enabler ecosystem and actively promote networking among its members towards Kenya’s sustainable economic development.

www.konza.go.ke
www.assek.ke