NAIROBI, September 2, 2026 — The Technopolis Development Authority has invited young Kenyan designers aged 18 to 35 to participate in a nationwide competition to design a new logo for the newly established national agency.
The competition, dubbed “Designing the Symbol of Kenya’s Innovation Future,” seeks to harness the creativity of young people in developing a distinct visual identity for the Authority as it assumes an expanded national mandate following the enactment of the Technopolis Act, 2026.
The Authority, formerly known as the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), was established under the new law to plan, develop, manage and promote technopolises across the country.
The change expands its mandate beyond Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city under the Vision 2030 economic blueprint, which remains the Authority’s anchor project.
Speaking during the launch of the competition, Technopolis Development Authority Chief Executive Officer John Paul Okwiri said the initiative would give young creatives an opportunity to contribute to an institution at the centre of Kenya’s innovation and digital economy agenda.
“We are inviting Kenyan youth in the creative community to help shape the identity of the Technopolis Development Authority, an institution that represents where our country is going,” said Okwiri.
He said the competition was intended to go beyond creating a logo by providing young designers with an opportunity to contribute to a national identity that reflects innovation, enterprise, research and investment.
The competition is open to creatives and designers from all 47 counties, with entries currently ongoing. The closing date will be announced during September through the official competition portal.
Participants are required to submit a primary logo mark, a black-and-white version, applications for light and dark backgrounds, a concept explanation of not more than 150 words and three sample applications, including a letterhead, social media profile and building signage.
The Authority said it was seeking a strong visual concept capable of developing into a broader institutional identity, with applicants not required to submit a full brand manual at this stage.
A total of Sh1 million has been allocated as prize money, with the overall winner receiving Sh300,000. Other shortlisted participants will also receive cash prizes, with details to be provided through the competition portal.
Beyond the financial rewards, selected participants will receive structured mentorship from experienced creative professionals in areas including brand identity development, design thinking and creative entrepreneurship.
The initiative is being implemented through the Authority-led Jitume Digital Enablement Programme, which has empowered more than one million young Kenyans with digital skills, access to digital work opportunities and pathways into the digital economy.
The Authority said involving young creatives in the branding process reflects its commitment to inclusivity, innovation and developing local talent as Kenya strengthens its digital and creative economy.
Okwiri said the Authority’s expanded mandate required an identity that reflected its national role while maintaining the credibility developed through Konza Technopolis over more than a decade.
“Our mandate is not only to manage a city . It is to build and sustain the institutional platform that turns Kenya’s investment in technopolises into measurable, broad-based economic value, and this identity will represent that mandate to the country and the world.”Okwiri Said.
The Technopolis Act, 2026 provides the Authority with a statutory framework to plan and develop technopolis infrastructure, allocate land to investors, operate a one-stop shop for regulatory and licensing services and coordinate research and innovation ecosystems in partnership with universities and the private sector.
The Authority said existing rights, contracts and obligations of the former Konza Technopolis Development Authority would continue under the new institution.
The winning logo is expected to be unveiled later this year as part of the formal launch of the Authority’s new visual identity and its expanded national mandate.
