Senate ICT Committee Pushes for Greater County Role in Technopolis Bill
These proposed innovation cities are designed to attract global investment, research institutions, and skilled professionals in the tech sector.
Senate ICT Committee demands greater county involvement in the Technopolis Bill, emphasizing the need to uphold devolution in planning Kenya’s future tech cities. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
The Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Technology has called for major changes to the proposed Technopolis Bill, 2024, in a bid to ensure stronger county government involvement in Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
During a session held in Kiambu County, the Committee—chaired by Senator Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia)—criticized the current draft of the Bill for sidelining counties in the governance and development of future “technopolises,” or technology hubs.
These proposed innovation cities are designed to attract global investment, research institutions, and skilled professionals in the tech sector.
“The current framework does not reflect the spirit of devolution,” Senator Chesang said, adding that counties should not be left out of critical decision-making processes that affect land use, licensing, and infrastructure development in their jurisdictions.
One of the main areas of concern is Clause 7 of the Bill, which outlines the composition of the Technopolis Development Authority (TDA). The Senate Committee wants the Council of Governors to have a representative on the Authority’s board, ensuring county perspectives are integrated into national planning.
Further proposed amendments target Clause 16, which currently allows the Cabinet Secretary to unilaterally declare a region a technopolis.
The Senate committee argues that such decisions must be subject to public participation, aligning with the Statutory Instruments Act and the constitutional right to consultation.
Clause 18, which governs buffer zones around technopolises, has also been flagged. The Committee now proposes making it mandatory—not optional—for the national government to work with county authorities on matters related to physical planning and land regulation.
Despite supporting the central role of the TDA in approving developments, senators stressed that all planning must conform to national master plans and be harmonized with county spatial plans, as required by law.
Senator William Kisang (Elgeyo Marakwet) underscored the importance of involving local governments, especially in land use matters, which he noted are constitutionally devolved functions. “Counties must be at the centre of implementation,” he said.
The Committee’s deliberations will continue through the weekend, with the final report expected before the Bill is presented in the Senate.
Senator Issa Juma Boy (Kwale), who joined virtually, echoed support for greater county engagement, signaling a united front among senators on the need for inclusive digital development.
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