Residents of Yatta Kwavonza and the wider Kitui County are set to benefit from what is expected to become one of the largest public-private partnership investments in East and Central Africa following plans to establish the ambitious SEKU Smart City project.
On Friday, Yatta Kwavonza Member of County Assembly Hon. Mark Ndingโo joined officials from Frugal Ventures Limited, leadership from South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Kitui County representatives, and other stakeholders during a consultative and public participation forum held to discuss the proposed mega development project.
The forum brought together key partners involved in shaping the vision of the project, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of public participation in ensuring the development aligns with the needs and expectations of local communities.
Frugal Ventures Limited, in partnership with South Eastern Kenya University and in collaboration with development partners and donors, plans to establish a world-class Smart City designed to integrate education, innovation, renewable energy, healthcare, agribusiness, commerce, and sustainable living within a modern university ecosystem.
According to the project proposal, the Smart City will feature a major solar power plant aimed at supporting clean energy initiatives, a Level Six hospital to improve healthcare access, and modern hostel facilities with a capacity of more than 5,000 beds to accommodate students and residents.
The development will also include over 1,000 acres dedicated to agribusiness, modern shopping malls, and expanded road infrastructure expected to open up economic opportunities and improve connectivity within the region. The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs during both construction and operational phases.
With an estimated investment value of 1.1 billion US dollars, the SEKU Smart City is projected to become the biggest investment project in East and Central Africa. Leaders and stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative will transform Kitui County into a regional hub for innovation, education, business, and sustainable development.
Pictorial
