American technology company Oracle has announced plans to set up a global data centre in Nairobi.

The plans were revealed by President William Ruto, who on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, met the company's delegation, led by Senior Vice-President (OCI Product and Industries) Scott Twaddle.

In a statement, Ruto said the government's strategy to lay 100,000km of fibre optic, provide digital jobs and digitise government services has attracted several international IT companies.

"Kenya will continue to facilitate technology companies seeking to set up their footprints in Africa. In line with the government’s strategy to lay 100,000km of fibre optic, provide digital jobs and digitise government services, Kenya continues to be a prime destination for international IT companies. Pleased to note that American company Oracle plans to set up a global data centre in Nairobi," Ruto stated.

Ruto says the establishment of the data centre will spur the digital transformation of government, public institutions, businesses and start-ups in Kenya.

"The planned public cloud region in Nairobi underscores Oracle’s commitment to Africa and aimed at driving the digital transformation of government, public institutions, businesses and start-ups in Kenya," Ruto added.

In 2020, Oracle was the third-largest software company in the world by revenue and market capitalization. The company sells database software and cloud computing.