Safaricom Completes First Phase of Limuru Data Center Project

Safaricom has completed phase one of its data center in Limuru, Kenya, part of a project with three buildings aimed at enhancing IT capacity. The facility will meet Tier III standards, utilize solar energy, and include an innovation lab. Completion of the second phase is targeted for January 2026, featuring 2.8MW of IT capacity.

Safaricom, the leading mobile operator in Kenya, has successfully completed the first phase of its data center project situated in Limuru, specifically in Redhill. This initial phase has culminated in the completion of the first building, which is part of a broader campus comprising three buildings. In the subsequent phase, Safaricom aims to provide an IT capacity of 2.8 megawatts, targeting completion by January 2026.

While details regarding the full IT capacity of the facility upon completion remain undisclosed, Safaricom has assured that the data center will adhere to Tier III standards. The center is designed to incorporate innovative cooling solutions, utilizing free cooling alongside solar energy as a supplementary power source. Furthermore, the project includes an innovation lab intended to foster the development and testing of new concepts, although specific plans have not been disclosed.

Esther Karuga, the senior manager overseeing 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.” This highlights Safaricom’s ambition to compete with international giants in data services.

Strategically located just outside Nairobi, Limuru is becoming a hub for technology firms, housing major players like Digital Realty, Paix, Africa Data Centres, and MTN. In addition to the Limuru data center, Safaricom also manages three other facilities in the Nairobi region, alongside two facilities located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In summary, Safaricom’s completion of the first phase of its Limuru data center marks a significant milestone in expanding its IT capabilities. With plans for enhanced IT capacity and sustainability initiatives, the company positions itself as a competitive force in the global data management landscape. The inclusion of an innovation lab suggests a commitment to fostering technological advancements in Kenya, reinforcing the region’s growing importance in the digital ecosystem.

Original Source: www.datacenterdynamics.com