The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has lauded the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) for its establishment of the National Data Centre and pledged to support in its efforts to extend its outreach to investors looking to set up shop in Kenya.
This was said during a visit to the National Data Centre by a delegation from the CBK led by the CBK Deputy Governor, Mrs Sheila M’Mbijjewe. The visit and benchmarking exercise were informed by CBK’s endeavour to strengthen its banking system and data protection function.
Mrs M’Mbijjewe lauded the National Data Centre as an impressive facility that is crucial for the country’s economic advancement.
“Kenya’s economy is now diversified. We are no longer heavily dependent on agriculture. We are leaning more towards service dependency. Konza is therefore poised to be one of the anchors on which the country’s economy will grow. It is very important for the Central Bank of Kenya, which monitors the economy, to be here today and be part of the future being developed.” she stated.
The CBK Deputy Governor further noted that the facility’s capacity is comparable to Data Centres in developed countries, thus placing Kenya on the path towards transforming into a knowledge-based economy.
“The National Data Centre here at Konza is very impressive. I have been to data centres in European countries and one can easily see a lot of similarities. The facility is big, has very modern security capabilities and can easily accommodate expansion, should the need arise” she added.
The National Data Centre currently hosts data for 10 key institutions in the country drawn from both public and private sectors. With the Data Centre already certified to global standards, KoTDA is keen on attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) to Kenya through its data services.
On his part, Konza Technopolis Development Authority CEO, Eng. John Tanui noted that the CBK Deputy Governor’s visit to Konza Technopolis demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to steering economic growth through leveraging technology and data.
“Data is now becoming as important as money. I am therefore delighted to see that CBK is constantly pursuing modern, tech-led ways of ensuring that the country remains financially stable. Today, we have had an opportunity to present the National Data Centre here in Konza Technopolis to the CBK and we look forward to deepening our engagement with the Bank with a view to enhancing data management and protection for institutions in the financial sector” said Eng. Tanui.
“CBK works closely with key investors in the country and it is important for them to be cognizant of the progress and investment opportunities at Konza Technopolis. Today’s engagement with CBK will therefore go a long way in positioning Konza as an investment hub for both local and global investors therefore spurring development” added Eng. Tanui.
Both Mrs M’Mbijjewe and Eng. Tanui committed to working closely going forward and expanding areas of collaboration by both institutions.
The visit by the CBK delegation led by the CBK Deputy Governor adds to the growing list of institutions in the public and private sectors that have been engaging KoTDA with a view to pursuing the investment opportunities that exist in Konza Technopolis.
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