Amazon Web Services is significantly expanding its presence in Kenya by opening a new development center in the capital city of Nairobi, the company announced Wednesday.
The facility aims to create over 200 high-skilled software engineering and cloud computing jobs for local workers. It will host AWS research and development teams focused on building new solutions for AWS customers and partners worldwide.
“The Kenyan technology sector continues to be a source of growth and job creation at a time when there is so much uncertainty in the world,” said President William Ruto during the launch. “The decision to open a new development center in Kenya is evidence of the trust that AWS has in our people and in our economy. I look forward to our continued collaboration with AWS as it deepens their commitment to our country.”
AWS has already established several partnerships and initiatives in Kenya over the past few years to provide cloud computing skills training and jobs for young adults. This includes the AWS re/Start program that offers a free 12-week cloud skills course for unemployed or underemployed Kenyans. Since launching in 2021, the program has trained over 700 youth across Kenya in collaboration with government agencies.
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“Together with our AWS partners, we’re thrilled to be creating new high-tech jobs in one of Africa’s most prominent tech hubs,” said Uwem Ukpong, Vice President of Global Services at AWS. “This center will enable the local market to tap into an incredible pool of technical talent. With a steady injection of home-grown talent on Kenya’s side, we can continue to enhance our commitment to Kenya’s economic development.”
The company also opened AWS Local Zones infrastructure in Nairobi last year to enable low-latency services. Earlier in 2022, it launched AWS Outposts to provide on-premises AWS services and infrastructure for hybrid environments in Kenya.
Next April, AWS plans to team up with the Information Communication Technology Authority to provide cloud computing courses to 10,000 students through AWS Academy. The program helps prepare students for AWS Certifications and careers in the cloud industry.
The expansion reflects AWS’s growing investment in Kenya and its technology sector. According to experts, it will bring more tech jobs and skills to the country.
“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,” said Robin Njiru, AWS’s Public Sector Lead in Africa.
