Microsoft is preparing for a leadership change in Kenya, with Phyllis Migwi set to exit her role as country manager in February after three and a half years.
Migwi announced her departure in a LinkedIn post on Tuesday, describing her time at the company as “enriching” and saying Microsoft is ready for a new phase of leadership.
“The work we are doing in Kenya and the region is critical,” she wrote. “From strengthening government relations to empowering local businesses and communities, the ‘why’ behind our work has never been clearer. There is still so much potential to amplify this impact, and we need someone who is vision-led to continue that momentum.”
The transition comes at a pivotal moment for Microsoft’s operations in East Africa. The company is preparing to bring its East Africa Azure cloud region and local data centre online, shifting from announcing investments to running live cloud infrastructure in the region.
Microsoft has already listed the Kenya country manager role on LinkedIn. The incoming leader will step in as the company navigates this operational shift alongside changes to how teams work on the ground.
During Migwi’s tenure, Microsoft expanded its footprint in Kenya’s tech ecosystem. In March 2025, the company brought its Global AI Tour to Nairobi the largest edition held in Africa helping position Kenya as a regional hub for AI innovation. Migwi also pushed AI adoption across healthcare, finance, and retail, while advancing rural connectivity through initiatives such as Airband, Microsoft’s broadband access programme.
Her time in office also saw Microsoft announce a $1 billion digital investment commitment for Kenya, in partnership with UAE-based G42. The investment is anchored on a green data centre that will host the new East Africa Azure cloud region.
More broadly, Microsoft’s Kenya strategy has centred on cloud infrastructure, AI and data capabilities, and large-scale digital skilling programmes for young Africans. The company has also targeted SMEs and startups with cloud and AI tools, working with local partners to modernise key industries and strengthen the country’s AI talent ecosystem.
The leadership change also coincides with a broader shift in Microsoft’s global workplace policy. The company is moving toward a mandatory three-day-in-office model across major hubs, with international offices expected to follow by 2026 a move that is likely to shape how teams in Kenya operate as a new country manager takes the helm.