CEO - Konza Technopolis Development Authority
John Paul Okwiri is a highly accomplished executive celebrated for extensive experience in procurement, supply chain management, and investment strategies. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), he has played a critical role in transforming the organization into a leading center of excellence for innovation and technology, focusing on advancing Kenya's knowledge economy.
With over 20 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management, Mr. Okwiri has established himself as a respected leader, demonstrating his strategic vision and excellent management capabilities. He has provided critical leadership in the procurement and implementation of several large-scale projects at Konza Technopolis, including successfully delivering Konza Phase 1 Horizontal Infrastructure and establishing the Kenya Advance Institute of Science and Technology. His exceptional business acumen was also instrumental in mobilizing resources to construct a tier 3 National Data Center, transforming Kenya's cloud infrastructure and data center services.
In addition, Mr. Okwiri has demonstrated exceptional organizational and leadership skills in securing the 40th International Association of Science Parks (IAPS) 2024 Conference for Konza Technopolis. This event is an opportunity for global innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship leaders to come together and discuss the latest trends and developments in these fields. Under Mr. Okwiri's leadership, Konza Technopolis has solidified its position as a leading center of excellence for innovation and technology in the region.
As the digital economy reshapes global development, technology clusters and world-class universities are emerging as critical anchors for new city ecosystems. This session explores how the convergence of higher education, research, venture capital, and technology can drive urban growth"”positioning knowledge-centered developments as launchpads for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digitally-enabled industries. From attracting top talent to fostering startup ecosystems, these hybrid hubs are redefining what it means to build a city around knowledge.