Microsoft is restructuring its engineering operations in Nairobi and has begun informing affected employees of the changes. The company confirmed the plans, saying it was communicating directly with staff in Kenya. A Microsoft spokesperson said the firm recognised the uncertainty the changes would bring. The job cuts will affect about five percent of employees, the company said. Similar restructuring moves have recently been made by Meta, Amazon and Twitter.
Microsoft opened its Nairobi-based Africa Development Centre in 2019 as an engineering hub for software development, design, research and innovation across East Africa. Despite the planned closure of part of the centre, Microsoft said it remains committed to Kenya and will continue to have employees in the country while supporting Kenya's digital transformation and innovation goals.