Microsoft plans changes to Nairobi engineering hub, putting jobs at risk
Microsoft is discussing changes to its Nairobi engineering operations with employees, with TechCabal reporting nearly 400 jobs at risk. Reports differ on whether the entire Africa Development Centre or only part of it will close; Microsoft’s public statement does not specify the scope.
techcabal.comMicrosoft to shut Nairobi engineering centre, putting hundreds of jobs at risk
allafrica.comKenya: Microsoft to Close Part of Nairobi Engineering Hub
Scope of changes unclear
Microsoft is informing employees in Kenya about proposed changes to its engineering operations. TechCabal reports that the company is winding down its Nairobi Africa Development Centre, while Capital FM’s report, carried by AllAfrica, describes a planned closure of part of the hub.
Microsoft’s statement does not explicitly confirm a closure or specify how many employees will remain or when the changes will take effect. The company says it remains committed to Kenya and will continue to employ people in the country.
Employees face exit discussions
Nearly 400 jobs are at risk, according to TechCabal. Two employees speaking anonymously told the outlet that staff were called to a meeting on Monday and asked to meet their managers by Friday, October 16, to discuss exit options, including severance terms.
Two other employees told TechCabal they expected their meetings to focus on severance rather than whether they would stay. A person familiar with the matter said fewer than 10 employees were expected to remain, including staff in sales, recruiting, customer and partner relations, and AI for Good. Microsoft has not confirmed those figures.
Kenyan government seeks job protections
Kenya’s ICT Minister William Kabogo said on Monday that he had met a Microsoft delegation to discuss its evolving operations amid global restructuring. He said he pressed the company on protecting jobs at the Nairobi engineering centre.
According to Kabogo, Microsoft reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Kenya and both sides agreed to draft a joint action plan. Neither side has disclosed its contents or whether it could alter the proposed changes.
A seven-year engineering project
Microsoft launched the Africa Development Centre in 2019, pledging more than $100 million to develop African technology talent. In December 2022, Microsoft President Brad Smith said the Nairobi centre employed more than 450 engineers.
Microsoft shut the centre’s Lagos counterpart in May 2024, saying at the time that the move would not affect its Kenyan operations. The company has not publicly disclosed a reason for the reported Nairobi closure.
