President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled the Ksh.3 billion Microsoft Africa Development Centre on March 24 during the launching in Nairobi.
The centre is among the largest software engineering facilities in Africa.
The President is optimistic that the centre will bolster the Government’s quest to secure high-tech jobs for youths in the digital space.
He said he hopes the facility will create innovative technological solutions that will bring out good results worldwide.
“As a premier Centre of research and development for Microsoft, we all remain confident that you- together with our young men and women- will build a local world class talent and create innovative technological solutions that will yield global positive impacts,” said the President.
“As technology takes centre stage in the global economy and as the way we conduct business evolves before our very own eyes, tonight we are again shuttering yet another glass ceiling and once again cementing Kenya’s place as Africa’s leading technology powerhouse.”
According to the President, the company has become a strong and true partner to Kenya since it set its office in the country as it has partnered with local universities and startups providing training and skills creating job opportunities for over 200,000 young Kenyans supporting the digital economy.
“…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.”
The country has started to reap the dividends of its investments in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure.
“The sustained investments in the ICT sector continue to enable our youth to prepare for a dignified digital-driven future of work opportunities in areas such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, remote work, online marketplaces and new national and global e-business opportunities.”
Microsoft has supported the adoption of green energy and sustainability solutions at the development Centre through self-heat regulating windows, a mini solar plant that will power the facility and a water treatment facility to recycle and purify water.
The Centre sets the standards for a new generation of technology hubs across the continent.
