Uhuru Opens a Sh3 Billion Microsoft Development Centre in Nairobi

President Kenyatta on Thursday presided over the official launch of the Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Westlands, Nairobi.

The $27 million (Sh3.1 billion) facility, the first of its kind in Africa, will house the engineering, design, research, and innovation teams, as well as the Microsoft Garage—an incubation hub launched as part of the ongoing efforts to boost tech innovation on the continent.

Speaking during the launch, President Kenyatta expressed optimism that the facility will bolster the government’s efforts to secure high-tech jobs in the digital space for the youth.

He termed the opening of the Microsoft facility as a demonstration of the international recognition of Kenya’s abundant high-tech workforce capabilities, business opportunities and conducive investment environment.

The launch of the engineering hub, Kenyatta said, also cements Kenya’s place as Africa’s leading technology powerhouse, adding that Microsoft has also partnered with local universities and start-ups to provide training and skills to create job opportunities for over 200,000 young Kenyans in support of the digital economy.

Describing the American tech giant as a strong and true partner to Kenya, Kenyatta also pointed out that Microsoft has created 431 full time jobs for Kenyans in the fields of software development, programme management, technical design, content writing, operations, research and applied science.

“…Microsoft has strengthened research, technology and skills through projects such as “Mawingu” that connects the unconnected and the ‘one million farmers platform’ for improving crop yields,” Kenyatta added.

On her part, Microsoft Vice President Joy Chik said the new facility is geared towards training world class engineers who will create global products and services. She divulged that the centre has already employed more than 450 engineers in Kenya as well as 500 employees in other areas since its inception in Nairobi in 2019.

“We have already surpassed the 500 engineers we originally pledged to hire by 2023. Today, the Africa development centre employs about 570 engineers working on identity and network access, mixed reality, Microsoft 365 as well as connected services and experiences,” she said.