By Phyllis Mwende
Kisumu County is set to host the first-ever Africa Smart Cities Alliance (ASCA) Convention from August 20–22, 2025, attracting innovators, investors, city leaders and development partners.
The county has joined ASCA following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the County Government and the World Smart Cities Alliance (WSCA).
The MoU was signed in Nairobi, with WSCA represented by its President, Mr. Jaewon Peter Chun.
The agreement formalizes Kisumu’s entry into the continental alliance and positions the city as a future hub for sustainable, tech-driven urban development.
“Kisumu is not only embracing the future we are helping to define it,” he stated.
Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o was appointed the inaugural Chairman of ASCA, a role that will see him steer efforts to integrate African cities into global smart city frameworks.
“Kisumu is laying the foundation to become a model city not just in Kenya, but across the continent,” said Governor Nyong’o.
“This aligns perfectly with Kisumu’s long-standing commitment to equity, environmental responsibility and homegrown innovation,” he added.
The second phase of the forum will take place in South Korea later in the year, reinforcing Africa–Asia collaboration in smart city innovation.
Mr. Chun emphasized the need to blend local innovation with global advancements in AI, 3D prototyping and digital governance.
The partnership with WSCA also opens Kisumu to new international investment prospects, with growing interest from the U.S, India and the Middle East.
As part of the East African Community’s broader integration agenda, the smart city strategy will support the revitalization of Lake Victoria’s waterways and regional logistics corridors.