President William Ruto's plan to make Kenya the technological destination of the region, has received a boost from American tech giant, Oracle Corporation.
On Wednesday 31 January, Ruto announced a partnership with Oracle Corporation to set up a global data center in Nairobi. It will be a regional data center, making it the second in Africa after setting up one in South Africa.
While speaking in Italy, Ruto revealed that the move was in line with the government's strategy to make Kenya a prime destination for international IT companies.
Ruto met with officials from the company including the Senior Vice-President Scott Twaddle. He was joined by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo and Principal Secretary John Tanui.
"The planned public cloud region in Nairobi underscores Oracle’s commitment to Africa and aimed at driving the digital transformation of government, public institutions, businesses and start-ups in Kenya," he stated.
Ruto added that the data centre shows Oracle's commitment to Africa and drives the digital transformation of government, public institutions, businesses and start-ups in Kenya.
The Head of State reiterated his plan to lay at least 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic. This, he noted, will help create digital jobs and digitise government services.
President Ruto has been across the globe seeking funding to boost the technological sector in the country. His administration has set up Jitume laboratories nationwide to equip Kenyans with digital skills.
Additionally, Ruto has vowed to ensure Konza City becomes Kenya's and Africa's technological hub. The advancement in technology will make Kenya a silicon savannah.
In August last year, Ruto revealed that investors globally had committed Ksh100 billion for the construction of Phase Two of the Konza Technopolis.
Speaking in San Francisco in September last year, Ruto wooed American technology firms to engage with Kenya in a win-win strategic business partnership.
"I am persuaded that similarly, the most consequential breakthrough in technological innovation will take place on the East African Savannah when global tech leadership, together with foreign direct investment, converge upon Africa’s youthful human capital, natural resources and green energy potential," Ruto stated.
