iX Africa Data Centres, the largest hyperscale data centre facility in East Africa, has launched the first phase of its state-of-the-art data centre, NBOX1, in Nairobi. The 4.5MW, 780-rack facility is carrier-neutral and AI-ready, enhancing access to cloud services, secure data storage, and reliable connectivity for businesses, tech providers, and government operations.
This new data centre forms part of a larger 22.5MW campus along Mombasa Road, positioning Kenya as a regional digital hub. The facility is built to support growing data and computing demands, offering seamless connectivity through multiple network providers and optimized infrastructure for AI-driven workloads.
During a visit to the facility, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) CEO John Mwendwa underscored the significance of iX Africa’s investment in strengthening Kenya’s data sovereignty and accelerating digital transformation. “Kenya is on the brink of a digital revolution, and investments like iX Africa’s hyperscale data centre are pivotal in positioning the country as a premier technology and innovation hub,” said Mwendwa. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for investments that drive digital transformation and economic growth.
iX Africa CEO Snehar Shah highlighted the data centre’s role in meeting the increasing demand for cloud and AI infrastructure while ensuring businesses across East Africa have access to secure, scalable, and world-class digital solutions. “We are proud to unveil the first phase of our hyperscale data centre, which is ready to host the first hyperscale developments in the region, as well as key public sector workloads. This facility will significantly contribute to the digitalization of services and cloud adoption in our country,” said Shah.
The launch of NBOX1 follows Helios Investment Partners’ commitment of an initial $50 million in growth capital in December 2022 to support the development of the facility. Additionally, iX Africa is playing a crucial role in Kenya’s data security landscape by collaborating with Moringa School to launch specialized training programs for Data Protection Officers in the corporate sector.
Kenya’s strategic location, green energy potential, and robust digital economy make it an attractive destination for hyperscale investments. With over 51 million internet subscriptions, 100% mobile penetration, and increasing demand for cloud and AI-driven services, the country is rapidly emerging as the gateway for global technology players seeking to establish a strong presence in Africa.
