President William Ruto announced a partnership with Oracle Corporation to establish a global data center in Nairobi.
This initiative marks Oracle’s second data center in Africa, following the establishment of one in South Africa.
During discussions in Italy, President Ruto, accompanied by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo and Principal Secretary John Tanui, emphasized that this collaboration aligns with the government’s strategy to attract international IT companies to Kenya.
“The planned public cloud region in Nairobi underscores Oracle’s commitment to Africa and is aimed at driving the digital transformation of government, public institutions, businesses, and start-ups in Kenya,” stated President Ruto.
He highlighted the significance of the data center in advancing technology and supporting digital initiatives across various sectors in the country.
President Ruto reiterated his commitment to expanding the country’s digital infrastructure by laying at least 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic. The plan aim to create digital job opportunities and enhance the efficiency of government services.
As part of his global efforts to boost the technological sector, President Ruto has secured funding and established Jitume laboratories nationwide to equip Kenyans with essential digital skills.
He has also vowed to transform Konza City into Kenya’s and Africa’s technological hub, envisioning a “silicon savannah.”
Last year in August, Ruto revealed that global investors had committed Ksh100 billion for the construction of Phase Two of the Konza Technopolis.
In a speech delivered in San Francisco in September, he actively encouraged American technology firms to engage in strategic partnerships with Kenya, emphasizing the potential for breakthrough technological innovation in the East African region.