Safaricom has completed the first phase of its data center in Limuru, Kenya, consisting of three buildings. The facility aims for 2.8MW IT capacity by January 2026 and will utilize solar energy and free cooling. An innovation lab is part of the project. Esther Karuga remarked on its world-class status, aligning with industry giants like Google and Microsoft. The data center is strategically located near Nairobi, amid other major facilities.
Safaricom, a prominent mobile operator in Kenya, has successfully completed the first phase of its data center project located in Limuru, Kenya. This facility, situated in the Redhill area, consists of three buildings, with the initial phase focusing on the first building now finished.
The company aims to achieve 2.8MW of IT capacity upon completing the second phase projected for January 2026. While the total IT capacity expected at the end of the full construction remains unspecified, the facility is designed to comply with Tier III standards.
Moreover, Safaricom has incorporated innovative ecological features into the data center, utilizing free cooling and supplementing grid power with solar energy. The project also includes an innovation lab intended for testing new ideas, though specific details about its operations have not been disclosed.
Esther Karuga, the senior manager and overall lead of the Limuru facility, emphasized, “When we call it world-class, we’ve already been tested in terms of best practices and industry standards, and that means we play in the same league with Google and Microsoft.”
The Limuru data center is strategically located just outside Nairobi, which is also home to major players like Digital Realty, Paix, Africa Data Centres, and MTN. Currently, Safaricom operates three additional facilities in the Nairobi region, including locations in Kisumu City, Thika, and Arena, along with two facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In conclusion, Safaricom’s completion of the first phase of its data center in Limuru marks a significant step in enhancing its IT infrastructure. The project’s focus on sustainable energy solutions and its compliance with high industry standards positions the facility as a competitive player in the data center market. With future expansions planned, Safaricom continues to reinforce its commitment to innovation and technological advancement in Kenya and the wider region.
Original Source: www.datacenterdynamics.com
