Kenya has opted for Microsoft as its cloud partner in a comprehensive effort to transition government services to the Azure cloud platform, triumphing over competitors like Amazon and Google. The government envisions collaborating with Microsoft to accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation initiatives.
The ICT Authority (ICTA) released a statement highlighting Microsoft’s role in supporting the government’s adoption of a cloud-first strategy. This collaboration aims to enhance public service delivery by leveraging technology and enhancing efficiencies in providing e-government services for citizens. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenyan government and Microsoft was signed with the ICT ministry.
Under President Ruto’s tenure since August 2022, the Kenyan government has initiated the digitization of numerous services, including immigration applications. More than 14,000 services, including those managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been integrated into the e-Citizen platform, enabling Kenyans to access services from various agencies. Moving these services to the cloud with Microsoft’s assistance is expected to streamline and enhance service delivery.
Microsoft has established itself as one of the longest-standing technology companies in Kenya, establishing an ADC office in Nairobi in 2019. The company has partnered with local organizations and played a pivotal role in reshaping the computer science curriculum in Kenyan colleges.
While other cloud providers, such as Huawei, have engaged with the Kenyan government in different capacities, Microsoft’s selection underscores its prominence in supporting Kenya’s digital infrastructure. Huawei, for instance, has been involved in the National Optic Fibre Network Backhaul Initiative (NOFBI) to expand fiber coverage.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has also contributed to Kenya’s tech landscape by launching a development center in Nairobi, the second in Africa after Cape Town, South Africa. President Ruto emphasized the center’s significance in reinforcing corporate citizenship and fostering optimal interactions between the government, clients, startups, and other partners.
