Microsoft starts search for head of new Kenya office

Microsoft has begun the search for an executive to head the Nairobi office after adopting a new business model that has seen Kenya elevated to an independent unit.

The Software giant has split its East and Southern Africa office into three to include Microsoft Angola (Mozambique and Angola), Microsoft Kenya and Microsoft East and Southern Africa, which will handle 12 countries like Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan.

This signals Microsoft increased focus on Kenya as a key market given its head will only concentrate on one market.

The changes have prompted a review of its regional executive suite where Louis Otieno, formerly general manager Microsoft East and Southern Africa, is serving as legal and corporate affairs for Microsoft Africa initiatives.

Eric Odipo, previously head of Microsoft’s small and micro business unit in the region, will head the East and Southern African unit while Cesar Pinheiro is the county manager for the Angolan wing.

The firm Tuesday said it has begun the search for a new head of the Kenya unit.

“We have adopted a more streamlined business model to optimise resources, strengthen business relationships and improve how we work with customers and partners,” said Hennie Loubser, general manager at Microsoft in charge of West, East and Central Africa.

“This is an extremely positive move for our business as it will allow us to better scale our resources across the territory, improve our impact in our high-potential markets,” said Mr Loubser in a statement to the Business Daily.

The firm noted that Mr Otieno has been promoted given his pan African role.

“Several global tech companies such as IBM, Samsung and Nokia have set up research and innovation hubs in Nairobi given Kenya’s highly skilled human resource, vibrant tech community and broadband Internet.

Mr Otieno will be the highest ranking Kenyan at the Washington-based software giant and will oversee the firm’s new programme dubbed Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative, a Sh6.5 billion ($75 million) project that aims to support the Africa’s technology market.

The initiative unveiled on Tuesday will see Microsoft partner with Internet service providers and governments to deliver low-cost wireless broadband access to previously unserved locations.