INVESTMENT:  The move affirms Kenya’s status as an attractive investment destination and acknowledges the country’s strides in information and communication technology, endorsing the national digital transformation agenda

The launch of Amazon’s second African hub in Kenya has cemented the country’s position as a global investment destination and a leader in technology and innovation.

Yesterday’s inauguration of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Development Centre in Kofisi, Westlands, Nairobi, marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s journey to becoming a technological powerhouse.

African footprint

“First, Amazon has chosen Kenya as the base from which to extend its global and African footprint, which affirms our country as an attractive global investment destination,” President William Ruto said. Amazon Web Services is a subsidiary of Amazon that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments, on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis. data shows that in 2022 the firm commanded a revenue of $80 billion. Amazon joins Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Uber, and Bolt who already have their regional offices in Nairobi. These, coupled with Safaricom present a perfect environment for the growth of strong talent and innovation to fuel Kenya’s ICT ecosystem.

Kenya is also among the biggest recipients of startup VC funding in Africa relative to gross domestic product (GDP) underlining its credentials as an innovation epicentre on the continent.

Ruto has made several marketing trips to the US with the help of the US Ambassador to Kenya, former CEO of eBay Meg Whitman, to lure American investments to Kenya.

President Ruto, while addressing guests, highlighted the strategic importance of Amazon’s decision to choose Kenya as the base for extending its global and African footprint. The AWS Development Centre, positioned as the second African hub for Amazon, is anticipated to play a crucial role in developing solutions for global partners and supporting customers across the globe. President Ruto emphasised the centre’s potential to create numerous highly skilled job opportunities.