US Tech giant Microsoft Corporation, in collaboration with G42, an Emirati artificial intelligence (AI) development company, have announced a $1 billion (around Ksh.132 billion) investment in Kenya’s digital ecosystem.
This marks the largest single private-sector digital investment in the nation’s history.
The initiative, supported by the US and the UAE governments, coincides with Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States.
The project aims to foster the creation of local-language AI models, specifically in Swahili and English, to support cultural and linguistic needs.
1. State-of-the-Art Green Data Center
Part of this initiative is the development of a green data center in Olkaria, Kenya, powered by renewable geothermal energy. This facility, which will be operational within 24 months, will support Microsoft Azure services in the new East Africa Cloud Region. The data center will provide scalable, secure, high-speed cloud and AI services aimed at supporting businesses and governments across East Africa.
2. AI Model Development and Research
The project aims to foster the creation of local-language AI models, specifically in Swahili and English, to support cultural and linguistic needs. Microsoft and G42 will work with local universities, leveraging the Microsoft Africa Research Institute and the Microsoft AI for Good Lab, to enhance research and AI development.
3. Innovation and Skills Training
An East Africa Innovation Lab will be established in Nairobi to support startups, entrepreneurs, and companies in developing cloud and AI solutions. This lab will offer design sessions, prototyping, and mentorship from Microsoft developers. Additionally, extensive digital and AI skills training programs will be provided to government employees, young entrepreneurs, and the broader community.
4. Connectivity Investments
Efforts will be made to expand internet connectivity through the development of marine and terrestrial fiber optic infrastructure.
5. Digital Safety and Security
The initiative includes the creation of a “trusted data zone” to ensure data privacy and security in compliance with global standards. This will enable the Kenyan government to adopt a cloud-first policy, promoting the migration of government and citizen services to the cloud.
