Microsoft to close Nairobi engineering centre amid global restructuring

Microsoft is closing its Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of a global restructuring process. The decision impacts the engineering department, which was responsible for developing components for global products including Microsoft 365, Windows, and security tools.

Following the announcement on October 12, 2026, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, met with a Microsoft delegation led by Jeff Bullwinkel. Kabogo expressed concerns regarding the retention of local talent, the protection of jobs, and the potential impact on investor confidence within Kenya’s technology sector.

Despite the reduction in engineering operations, Microsoft stated it will continue to operate in Kenya and support its regional customers. The government and Microsoft also discussed future cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skills development.