Ruto lures US tech, entertainment firms to Kenya
from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, Kenya
NAIROBI – APPLE is considering working with Kenya to grow the East African country’s innovation and start-up ecosystem.
President William Ruto discussed this possibility following a weekend meeting with Tim Cook, at the United States-Kenya Business Roadshow in San Francisco.
“Kenya’s green data centre potential is one other area that Apple will look into tapping for achieving the company’s sustainability goals,” Ruto disclosed in his social media platforms.
The president had a number of engagements at the roadshow co-organised by the US Embassy in Nairobi and the American government’s Prosper Africa scheme.
Among these were at SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, who Ruto lauded for his “vision and commitment to global connectivity.”
This was during a visit to the StarLink/SpaceX factory in Los Angeles.
Ruto urged the organisation to work towards reducing the cost of internet access in Kenya.
In July, Starlink launched satellite internet in East Africa’s largest economy in partnership with Karibu Connect, a leading telecommunications company.
Ruto also held talks with Grammy Global Venture Chief Executive Officer, Harvey Mason Jr, and President, Panos Panay. He campaigned for the Grammy Africa Academy Headquarters to be hosted in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.
At Ruto’s meeting with Nicholas Weinstock, the President of Invention Studios, the pair explored the possibility of American filmmakers filming in Kenya. Ruto believes this has the potential to generate job opportunities and contribute to the growth of Kenya’s film industry.
He noted previous investments by US tech companies in Kenya.
These include Intel, which has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Developer Lab at Kenya Technical Trainers’ College.
Microsoft has been providing wireless broadband and device recharge facilities to more than 1,5 million people in rural areas through a partnership with local company, Mawingu.
“Kenya has plenty of opportunities to offer American technology and manufacturing companies, particularly its potential as a vital African base and prime centre for tech, manufacturing, connectivity, infrastructure development and garment fabrication,” Ruto said.
– CAJ News
