Safaricom Completes First Phase of Data Center in Limuru, Kenya

Safaricom has completed the first phase of its data center in Limuru, Kenya. The facility, designed to Tier III standards, will eventually provide 2.8MW of IT capacity, with the second phase expected to conclude in January 2026. The data center will incorporate free cooling and solar energy. Esther Karuga represents that the facility adheres to high industry standards, aligning it with global leaders like Google and Microsoft.

Safaricom, a prominent mobile operator in Kenya, has successfully finalized the first phase of its data center located in Limuru. This facility, situated in Redhill, comprises a total of three buildings, with the initial building now completed. Upon finishing the second phase, which is scheduled for January 2026, Safaricom intends to provide a total of 2.8MW of IT capacity.

The future IT capacity of the data center upon full completion remains unspecified, but it is being constructed to Tier III standards. In addition, the facility will incorporate free cooling systems and will utilize solar energy to complement grid power. An innovation lab is also included in the project, although specific details have not been disclosed.

Esther Karuga, the senior manager overseeing the Limuru facility, stated, “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.” Limuru is strategically located just outside Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, which is home to various data center operators, including Digital Realty, Paix, Africa Data Centres, and MTN.

Safaricom currently functions three additional data centers in Nairobi and its suburbs, including facilities in Kisumu City, Thika, and Arena, along with two centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In conclusion, Safaricom’s Limuru data center project is a significant advancement in the region’s IT infrastructure, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation. The completion of phase one marks a critical step towards providing robust IT capacity, with plans for further developments that align with international standards. As it positions itself alongside global leaders, Safaricom demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the technological landscape in Kenya.

Original Source: www.datacenterdynamics.com