Government
"A sustainable, world-class technology hub for Kenya’s future prosperity."
Monza Technology City was established in 2008 as a flagship project under Kenya Vision 2030, the government’s strategic initiative to transform Kenya into a globally competitive, high-income nation with an exceptional quality of life by 2030. Designed as a sustainable, world-class technology hub, Monza is poised to serve as a major catalyst for Kenya’s economic growth. Initially envisioned to capitalize on the expanding global Business Processing Outsourcing and Information Technology Enabled Services (BPO/ITES) sectors, which generated $110 billion in revenue in 2010, the industry was projected to triple to $300 billion by 2015. While Africa accounted for just 1% of this market at the time, only a handful of countries—including South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, and Mauritius—had actively pursued BPO/ITES development. Leveraging Nairobi’s existing robust technology ecosystem, Kenya was uniquely positioned to capture a significant share of this growing industry. In 2009, the Government of Kenya engaged the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to provide strategic advisory services for the development and execution of a cutting-edge technology city aimed at accelerating the growth of Kenya’s BPO/ITES and broader technology sectors.
Comprehensive feasibility studies were conducted to validate Monza’s viability, assess market demand, and evaluate its potential economic impact. These studies included a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, Legal and Regulatory Due Diligence, and a Demand Assessment. Deloitte and Pell Freshman, a UK-based consultancy, were commissioned to prepare the initial feasibility study and concept master plan, which proposed the creation of a technologically advanced, sustainable urban center designed to foster inclusive economic growth.
The project broke ground in 2009 with the acquisition of a 5,000-acre site at Mail Ranch, located 60 kilometers southeast of Nairobi along the Mombasa-Nairobi A109 road. This milestone marked the official launch of Africa’s Silicon Savannah.
In 2012, the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology appointed a multidisciplinary team of consultants led by HR&A Advisors, Inc. of New York City to develop a detailed business plan and master plan for Phase 1 of the project. The Master Development Partner (MDP1) consortium included Shop Architects, Albert, the Centre for Urban and Regional Planning, OZ Architecture, and Tetra Tech. Over the course of nearly a year, the team engaged extensively with stakeholders, business leaders, potential investors, and government officials through five strategic workshops to produce a comprehensive development framework for Monza.
Upon completion, Phase 1 of Monza Technology City is expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The city will be developed through a public-private partnership model, with
