Why Global Tech Firms Are Turning To Kenya For Digital Talent

Kenya is no longer a “best-kept secret” in global tech. We are now being recognised as a strategic partner in solving one of the world’s most urgent challenges: the digital talent shortage.

This was clearly evident during a recent high-level visit to Nairobi by the Open Source Business Alliance (OSBA) from Germany, led by Peter Ganten, CEO of Univention GmbH and OSBA Chairman. The delegation was in Kenya to explore partnerships and tap into the country’s growing tech ecosystem, an ecosystem already proving Kenyan talent can deliver on a global stage.

Germany is currently facing a severe labour shortage, with over 700,000 unfilled jobs across all sectors. Of these, approximately 149,000 are in the tech sector alone, with key IT roles often remaining vacant for 18 months or more. This mirrors a broader global crisis, with the World Economic Forum projecting a shortage of 85 million skilled workers worldwide by 2030, especially in fields like technology, data, and engineering. This growing talent gap presents a unique opportunity for Kenya, a country with a young, educated, and tech-savvy population, to step in and help fill the global digital workforce void.

This isn’t just theoretical. One of Germany’s respected IT firms, Heinlein Support, led by CEO Peer Heinlein, has already set up operations in Kenya. Their Nairobi-based team of Kenyan professionals supports secure email and Linux infrastructure for European clients, proof that our tech talent is globally competitive, English-proficient, and ready to deliver.

Now, Univention GmbH is following suit. Known for its open-source IT solutions used by German public institutions, Univention is actively exploring opportunities for remote collaboration with Kenyan developers. Mr. Ganten’s dual role as CEO and OSBA Chairman, representing over 300 German IT companies, underscores the strategic significance of this engagement.

The high-level nature of the visit further demonstrated Germany’s commitment. In addition to Mr. Ganten, the delegation included Mr. Thomas Wilde, Regional Expert at the Import Promotion Desk, and Mr. Joer Uehlin of GIZ Kenya Evanson Ikua Open Source Program Office, among others. Their discussions with Kenyan stakeholders focused on open-source collaboration, digital workforce development, and scalable outsourcing solutions.

Kenya’s growing appeal is rooted in several competitive advantages. Over 75 per cent of our population is under 35, producing a fast-growing pipeline of ICT graduates. We have high levels of English proficiency, cultural adaptability, and digital fluency. The Digital Superhighway programme is laying down 100,000 km of fibre optic cable, enabling high-speed connectivity nationwide. International firms like Teleperformance, CCI, and Sama Source have chosen Kenya as a global service delivery base. And with a rising role in the global open-source economy worth over $30 billion, Kenya is becoming a vital player.

Kenya’s commitment to the digital economy is anchored on digital infrastructure expansion, skills development, and strategic global partnerships. Our approach aligns digital training programs with global demand in cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. Through the Kenyan-German Digital Dialogue launched in November 2023 and reinforced by a joint work plan in February 2024, we are also fostering cooperation in data governance, cybersecurity, open innovation, and sustainable digital growth.

We are not just supplying talent, we are shaping the future of digital work and innovation. Kenya is empowering startups and innovators to create solutions for Africa and the world. We are strengthening remote work models that allow Kenyan professionals to serve global clients. We are establishing ourselves as a thought leader in open-source technologies and digital governance.

To Kenyan youth: the world needs your talent. Step up, skill up, and seize the opportunity. To global partners: Kenya is your trusted ally agile, reliable and ready to deliver. To stakeholders at home let’s accelerate investment in platforms that connect Kenyan talent to global opportunity.

With strong partners, a clear national vision, and real success stories already unfolding, Kenya is firmly on the path to becoming Africa’s premier digital talent hub and a valuable contributor to the world’s digital future.