Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city, has received the Smart Gigacity Excellence Award at the World Broadband Association (WBBA) Broadband Excellence Awards 2026, recognising its approach to connected, sustainable and technology-driven urban development.
The award was announced on 14 October 2026 at VIECON in Vienna, Austria. It was presented to Kenya’s State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy in recognition of Konza Technopolis as a model for gigabit-enabled urban development. The city is being developed by the Technopolis Development Authority (TDA) as part of Kenya’s broader ambition to expand its digital economy and strengthen its position in technology-led innovation.
Konza Technopolis integrates high-speed connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and intelligent infrastructure to support efficient, sustainable and people-centred urban services. Its smart city infrastructure includes a 79-kilometre fibre backbone, 141 smart poles and an AI-powered Intelligent Operations Centre designed to enable real-time city monitoring.
Additional infrastructure includes the Konza National Data Centre, automated waste collection systems, water reclamation facilities and smart energy infrastructure. Together, these technologies are intended to improve urban management, strengthen connectivity and support more efficient delivery of public services.
Amb. Valerie Rugene, Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenya Embassy and Permanent Mission in Vienna, received the award on behalf of Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, and the Government and people of Kenya.
The recognition highlights Kenya’s efforts to establish Konza Technopolis as a centre for digital innovation and advanced urban development. The project brings together the Technopolis Development Authority, government agencies, industry partners, engineers and innovators, supporting the country’s Silicon Savannah vision.
The award also underscores the role of digital infrastructure in developing sustainable cities capable of using connected technologies to improve services and urban operations. Konza Technopolis is expected to continue focusing on innovation, attracting investment and demonstrating how technology and infrastructure can contribute to the development of intelligent, connected and sustainable urban environments.
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