Safaricom has completed the first phase of its data centre in Limuru, Kenya. The facility will have three buildings, with 2.8MW of IT capacity expected by January 2026. It will meet Tier III standards and utilize solar energy along with free cooling. An innovation lab will also be part of the project. Esther Karuga highlighted its adherence to global best practices. The centre is strategically located near Nairobi.
Broadcast Media Africa has reported that Safaricom, a prominent Kenyan mobile operator, has successfully completed the first phase of its state-of-the-art data centre located in Limuru, Kenya. This facility, situated in Redhill, will encompass a total of three buildings, with the completion of the first building marking a significant milestone.
Upon conclusion of the second phase, anticipated for January 2026, Safaricom aims to provide an IT capacity of 2.8MW. Although the final capacity following the entire construction remains unspecified, the facility is designed in compliance with Tier III standards, ensuring high levels of reliability and efficiency.
Additionally, the data centre is committed to environmentally sustainable practices by employing free cooling methods and integrating solar energy to complement grid-supplied power. The project will also feature an innovation lab dedicated to testing new technologies, although specifics have not been disclosed.
Esther Karuga, the senior manager leading the Limuru facility, remarked on the facility’s adherence to global best practices, asserting, “When we call it world-class, we’ve already been tested in terms of best practices and industry standards, which means we play in the same league with Google and Microsoft.”
Limuru is strategically located near Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, where significant tech companies like Digital Realty, Paix, Africa Data Centres, and MTN are also established. Safaricom has three additional facilities within the Nairobi region as well as two more located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In conclusion, Safaricom’s completion of phase one of its Limuru data centre marks a strategic advancement in the region’s technology sector. With a focus on sustainability, compliance with international standards, and the inclusion of an innovation lab, the facility is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing digital infrastructure in Kenya by 2026.
Original Source: broadcastmediaafrica.com
