He called on domestic and foreign investors to take advantage of Konza's "tremendous opportunities".

BBC: Kenya begins construction of 'silicon' city Konza

It will take 20 years to build Konza Technology City about 60km (37 miles) from the capital, Nairobi.

BBC: Kenya begins construction of 'silicon' city Konza

Konza is part of the government's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative to improve much-neglected infrastructure over the next 18 years.

BBC: Kenya begins construction of 'silicon' city Konza

It is hoped that more than 20, 000 IT jobs will be created in Konza by 2015, and more than 200, 000 jobs by 2030.

BBC: Kenya begins construction of 'silicon' city Konza

According to the Konza information website, the city wants to attract business process outsourcing, software development, data centres, disaster recovery centres, call centres and light assembly manufacturing industries.

BBC: Kenya begins construction of 'silicon' city Konza

The government has appointed the Konza Technopolis Development Authority to oversee the building of the IT hub, which will be built in four phases - starting with the technology centres first.

BBC: Kenya begins construction of 'silicon' city Konza