Safaricom has completed phase one of its data center in Limuru, Kenya, with further development aimed at achieving 2.8MW IT capacity by January 2026. The facility will comply with Tier III standards and utilize free cooling along with solar power. It also includes an innovation lab, highlighting the company’s focus on quality and modernization.
Safaricom, a prominent Kenyan mobile operator, has successfully completed phase one of its data center located in Limuru, Kenya. This facility, situated in the Redhill area, will consist of three buildings, with the completion of the first building now marked as a significant milestone.
Upon the completion of the second phase, expected by January 2026, Safaricom aims to provide an IT capacity of 2.8 megawatts. However, the total IT capacity upon full construction remains undisclosed. The data center is designed to be compliant with Tier III standards, indicating a high level of reliability and uptime.
The innovative design includes free cooling systems that will reduce operational costs and environmental impact, alongside solar energy integration to supplement grid power. Furthermore, an innovation lab is planned to explore and test new concepts, although specific details regarding its operations were not provided.
Esther Karuga, the senior manager overseeing the Limuru facility, expressed pride in their commitment to global standards, stating: “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’s proximity to Nairobi positions it strategically amid other notable data operators including Digital Realty, Paix, Africa Data Centres, and MTN. Currently, Safaricom operates three additional centers in Nairobi and two facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, further establishing its footprint in the region.
Safaricom’s new data center in Limuru, Kenya signifies a major advancement in the company’s infrastructure capabilities. With plans for substantial IT capacity expansion by 2026 and environmentally conscious designs, this facility will enhance services in the region. The commitment to Tier III standards and a comparison with global giants underscores Safaricom’s ambitions within the data center industry.
Original Source: www.datacenterdynamics.com
