Microsoft is set to cut 6,000 jobs globally, around 3% of its staff.
Microsoft has announced another wave of layoffs, with 6,000 employees set to lose their jobs across different departments and continents. The tech giant is implementing what it calls a reorganization plan aimed at cutting down on management levels and boosting overall productivity.
Among the regions likely to feel the impact is Kenya, home to Microsoft’s Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Nairobi. This centre, launched in 2019, employs hundreds of skilled workers in key areas such as AI, machine learning, and software engineering. The company, however, remains silent on the exact number of jobs that might be lost in Kenya or across Africa.
Part of a Larger Restructuring Strategy
Microsoft explained the cuts are part of an internal review process designed to align the company with current priorities. The firm hopes that by eliminating what it describes as “unnecessary layers of management,” it can streamline operations and focus more on innovation.
Not the First Major Layoff from Microsoft
This move marks the second-largest round of job losses at Microsoft since 2023, when the company laid off 10,000 workers. More recently, in January 2025, several staff members were let go due to performance concerns, according to a report by CNBC.
Tech Sector Feeling the Pinch Worldwide
Across the industry, similar workforce reductions have been recorded, even as demand for digital services continues. From Google to Meta, tech firms are adjusting their staff numbers to prepare for a future focused on automation and artificial intelligence.
AI Focus Reshaping Hiring Trends
While tech remains a booming field, hiring has slowed since 2022—particularly with the rise of advanced AI platforms like ChatGPT. Despite Microsoft’s massive global presence, which includes over 228,000 workers as of mid-2024, its recruitment pace has failed to keep up with the demand for newer tech skills.
Kenya’s Tech Future in the Balance
As Kenya pushes to cement its reputation as a digital leader in Africa, news of possible job cuts within Microsoft is likely to raise questions. With global tech firms consolidating their resources, concerns about the stability and long-term growth of local tech jobs are growing.
Microsoft’s decision, though part of a broader global strategy, serves as a reminder of how quickly the landscape can change—even for some of the industry’s biggest names.
