More Kenyans are set to secure opportunities in the digital and technology spaces after Microsoft, a US multinational, opened a Ksh3 billion (USD27 million) centre in Nairobi on Thursday, March 24.
Microsoft - whose offices are located at the iconic Dunhill Towers, opened Microsoft Africa Development Centre, one of a kind state-of-the-art facility designed to offer Kenyans a chance to create technology solutions for both local and global markets.
The facility is the second of its kind in African and will attract highly trained individuals who will create solutions to local problems with a world-market focus.
The center has partnered with the government to create over 200,000 job opportunities for young Kenyans in support of the digital economy.
So far, it has absorbed 431 Kenyans who are working in different fields such as software development, programmes management, technical design, content writing, operations, research, and applied science.
The opening of the iconic center was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who challenged more youths to take advantage of the facility in growing their craft.
"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," Uhuru stated during the official opening.
"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 shattering yet another glass ceiling and once again cementing Kenya’s place as Africa’s leading technology powerhouse."
The Head of State further lauded the company for helping farmers and other business people by making their work easier through affordable solutions.
"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," he stated.
Microsoft Vice President, Joy Chik, noted that the facility aims at training world-class engineers who will create global products and services.
"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," Joy remarked.
Microsoft is one of the most successful companies globally with most young people seeking to work for it owing to its competitive nature.
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