Kenya Grows Tech Influence With Launch of Amazon Web Services Centre
Kenya, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah” due to its growing influence in the world of information and communication technology (ICT), continues to strengthen its position as a global tech leader. Its forward-thinking policies, favorable investment climate, and a burgeoning population of tech-savvy youth have made it an attractive destination for some of the world’s largest technology companies.
President William Ruto, in his recent address to the nation, celebrated Kenya’s success in attracting major global tech players and highlighted the pivotal role of technology in driving the country’s economic growth.
“Kenya has emerged as one of the most exciting frontiers of global tech competitiveness, with high potential for innovation across all sectors,” President Ruto noted.
This recognition of Kenya’s tech prowess was evident at the grand launch of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Development Centre in Nairobi. The AWS Development Centre represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s tech journey, as it marks Amazon’s second such facility on the African continent. This achievement underscores Kenya’s position as a growing hub for technology innovation.
President Ruto’s recent meeting with AWS executives in New York paved the way for this momentous development. During their discussions, both parties agreed on the importance of creating and maintaining an enabling business environment that would further facilitate Amazon’s investments in Kenya.
However, it’s not just the government’s efforts to attract foreign tech giants that are making Kenya a tech hub of note. The country has been steadfast in its commitment to strengthening its education sector, equipping its youth with the skills needed to excel in the digital age. President Ruto reiterated the government’s unwavering dedication to investing in education and building strategic partnerships to develop the expertise needed to meet the demands of companies like Amazon.
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman lauded the launch of the AWS Development Centre as an endorsement of Kenya’s favorable business environment. She emphasized the significance of Amazon, one of the world’s most influential tech companies, choosing Kenya as the location for this crucial development center.
“AWS is one of the most important tech companies in the world; the fact that they have decided to set up a development centre in Kenya speaks volumes about this country and this administration,” she said
Robin Njiru, AWS Regional Lead for the Public Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, also commended the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for foreign-owned firms. Njiru recognized the importance of building partnerships and fostering an atmosphere that supports innovation, which is essential for companies like Amazon to thrive.
“There has never been a better time to up the ante in Kenya. Demand for skills is skyrocketing and this investment gives local talent the opportunity to impact global customer solutions and experiences. More talent can lead to more innovation, happier customers, and a growing economy. I’m proud to be at the centre of this shift with AWS.” Robin Njiru, Public Sector Lead West, East & Central Africa at AWS said.
The Nairobi AWS Development Centre is a pivotal component of Amazon’s global operations. It plays a central role in various critical functions, including software development, support services, retail operations, and more. These development centers, located across the globe, are foundational to Amazon’s business model and generate a significant portion of the company’s revenue.
Beyond its role as a hub for technological advancement, the AWS Development Centre is set to create highly skilled job opportunities in various fields, including telecommunications, software development, cloud support, software engineering, and more. This initiative aims to deliver cutting-edge solutions to AWS customers and partners worldwide, further enhancing Kenya’s status as a tech leader and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
This latest move by Amazon builds upon its recent initiatives to strengthen its presence in Kenya. In April 2023, AWS, in partnership with the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Authority, announced ambitious plans to equip 10,000 Kenyan students with cloud computing skills through the AWS Academy. This initiative, providing ready-to-teach cloud computing curricula, aims to prepare students for industry-recognized AWS Certifications and in-demand jobs.
Furthermore, in April 2022, Amazon announced plans to establish AWS Local Zones cloud infrastructure in Nairobi. This strategic move enables customers to deploy applications with minimal latency, meeting the growing demand for cloud services in the region.
In August 2022, AWS introduced AWS Outposts in Kenya, expanding its portfolio of fully managed solutions. AWS Outposts delivers AWS infrastructure and services to on-premises or edge locations, ensuring a consistent hybrid experience for customers.
Uwem Ukpong, Vice President of Global Services at AWS, highlighted the significance of the Nairobi AWS Development Centre. He emphasized that this center provides an opportunity for the local market to tap into a pool of technical talent, further strengthening Kenya’s commitment to economic development and technological advancement.
With a steady injection of home-grown talent on Kenya’s side, we can continue to enhance our commitment to Kenya’s economic development. This is a win-win for all involved,” he said.
AWS’s sustained investment in Kenya underscores the company’s dedication to the country’s tech ecosystem. The Amazon Development Centre represents a pivotal moment in Kenya’s tech evolution, aligning with its vision to be at the forefront of global tech innovation.
As Kenya continues to nurture its tech talent, foster innovation, and enhance its business environment, it stands poised to take on an even more prominent role in the global tech landscape. The presence of global giants like Amazon contributes not only to Kenya’s tech prowess but also to the nation’s economic growth and development.