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DAVID BUNEI
MD – ORACLE KENYA
“The goal is not to use technology for technology’s sake, but to solve real-world problems.” This guiding principle resonates deeply with David Bunei, Managing Director (MD) of Oracle Kenya. With more than 25 years of experience in IT and telecommunications, David has built a career on the belief that technology becomes truly transformative when it addresses genuine societal and business needs. His leadership at Oracle Kenya is a testament to this philosophy, as he steers the company towards helping businesses harness the power of cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies to drive growth, resilience, and operational efficiency.
David assumed the role of MD at Oracle Kenya in 2019, stepping into the position with a wealth of technical and business leadership experience. He also serves as the Cloud Systems Leader for East and West Africa, overseeing operations across 38 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Under his leadership, Oracle has significantly expanded its footprint, offering innovative cloud solutions to sectors such as finance, government, energy, retail, and manufacturing. “Data is more than just numbers on a screen; it is the lifeblood of today’s businesses. The right insights, at the right time, can redefine success,” David often says when discussing Oracle’s mission in the region.
David’s passion for technology began early in life. While pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Nairobi, he immersed himself in hands-on technical work during semester breaks. In 1997, he was already setting up internet and email systems, later contributing to the configuration of complex networks like the Jambonet Internet Gateway for Kenya. His formative experience came during the infamous Y2K period when he was among the select few called upon to help financial institutions transition their systems seamlessly into the new millennium. “It was during this time that I truly understood what technology transition means for organisations,” David recalls.
Recognising the need to bridge technical expertise with business acumen, David pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the United States International University – Africa (USIU-A). This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his pragmatic, results-driven approach to leadership.
His entry into the global technology landscape began in 2006 when he joined Cisco Systems. There, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming General Manager for Cisco East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands. In this role, David led a team responsible for expanding Cisco’s presence across 15 countries, with a focus on building secure, scalable network infrastructure that connected communities, businesses, and governments. He fondly recalls the words of Olaf Kramer, a senior Cisco Systems executive who once told him, “One day you will be a great leader, and when you get there, please take care of the people you lead, and they will take care of the business.” David has carried this advice with him throughout his career, adopting a leadership style centered on empowering his team and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
The technological landscape has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, and David has had a front-row seat to these changes. From witnessing the internet revolution of the late 1990s to the current era of AI and cloud computing, he believes that adaptability is crucial. “As a technology leader, you should constantly watch the inflexion points, look ahead beyond the corner, and make the necessary changes to adapt,” he says, echoing the advice of former Cisco CEO John Chambers, who significantly influenced his perspective on leadership.
At Oracle Kenya, David has embraced the cloud-first strategy with zeal, guiding the company to become a trusted partner for businesses navigating digital transformation. He was particularly drawn to Oracle’s innovative approach to cloud infrastructure, despite initially having limited knowledge in the field. “I needed to immerse and challenge myself in a field that was quickly accelerating. Emerging technologies like AI, autonomous systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT) were sweeping across the globe, and I couldn’t wait it out,” David explains.
Beyond his corporate achievements, David is deeply committed to mentorship and community development. He understands the transformative power of technology and is passionate about equipping the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age. “I am a product of mentorship,” he says, “and I am committed to paying it forward.” Through Oracle’s Academy Program, he has mentored more than 90 graduates, preparing them for careers in AI, cloud computing, and other cutting-edge fields.
Moreso, David is spearheading an initiative to connect 50 remote schools across Kenya to the internet. His vision is to provide children in underserved areas with access to educational resources, enabling them to compete on a global scale. “My early exposure to an Apple Macintosh II during secondary school shaped my entire future dream of what technology could achieve. I want to give similar opportunities to children who may not otherwise have them,” he says.
Despite his demanding schedule, David prioritises family time and enjoys experimenting with new gadgets and exploring innovations in smart home technology. His curiosity and passion for learning remain as strong as ever.
As Oracle Kenya continues to lead the way in Africa’s digital transformation, David Bunei stands out as a dynamic leader who blends technical expertise with human-centric leadership, rightly so earning him recognition among the top most impactful C-suite executives in 2025.
AUTHOR: ORACLE KENYA
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
