KISUMU, Kenya — Kisumu is set to take centre stage in Africa’s smart city revolution after sealing a partnership with the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF), positioning the lakeside city as a hub for tech-driven, sustainable urban development.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on Thursday announced that Kisumu will host the inaugural Africa Smart Cities Alliance (ASCA) Summit from August 20 to 22, 2025, bringing together global city leaders, investors, and innovators to chart the continent’s urban future.
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Kisumu County and the WSCF, represented by its President and Chairman, Jaewon Peter Chun.
The deal formally marks Kisumu’s entry into ASCA, a new initiative aimed at reshaping African cities through technology and inclusive planning.
In a post on X, Governor Nyong’o called the development a “major milestone” for Kisumu and expressed pride in being appointed as the inaugural chair of the Alliance.
“We are not only embracing the future — we are helping to define it,” Nyong’o said. “Kisumu is rising. And the world is taking notice.”
Today marks a major milestone for Kisumu County on our journey toward a smarter, more sustainable future. The signing of a Memoranda of Understanding between the County Government of Kisumu and The World Smart Cities Alliance, represented by Mr. Jaewon Peter Chun, Chairman and
The three-day convention is expected to attract a high-powered delegation of global stakeholders and will be followed by a second leg in South Korea later in the year—signalling a bold new phase in Africa–Asia urban collaboration.
Chun, speaking during the signing ceremony, shared international best practices from cities like London, Busan, and Incheon.
He emphasized the potential of merging local innovation with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital governance, and 3D prototyping.
The summit is expected to catalyse significant foreign investment, with early interest already reported from the United States, India, and the Middle East.
The partnership will also support strategic infrastructure projects in the region, including efforts to revitalize Lake Victoria’s waterways and establish new logistics corridors aligned with the East African Community integration agenda.
Governor Nyong’o said the event reflects years of groundwork—including policy reforms, investment in digital infrastructure, and a focus on environmental sustainability.
Kisumu’s smart city ambitions have grown steadily in recent years, with the city previously hosting high-profile forums such as the Africities Summit.
The ASCA convention now cements its reputation as a thought leader in Africa’s urban transformation.
“We’re laying the foundation for Kisumu to become a model city—not just in Kenya, but across the continent,” Nyong’o added.
