#Tatu City #Kenya #Airtel #Nxtra

Airtel Unveils East Africa's Data Centre Hub at Tatu City

Airtel has officially begun construction on a state-of-the-art data centre known as Nxtra, located within the Tatu City Special Economic Zone in Kenya. This facility aims to establish itself as a vital component of East Africa’s digital infrastructure, contributing to a greener and more sustainable economic landscape. With a robust IT power capacity of 44 megawatts (MW), the Nxtra data centre is set to redefine the standards of data centre operations in the region.

The Vision Behind the Data Centre

At the groundbreaking ceremony attended by key stakeholders, executives from Airtel and Rendeavour, the developer behind Tatu City, expressed their commitment to building a sustainable digital ecosystem. The design of Nxtra prioritizes the use of renewable energy, with Tatu City achieving a remarkable 95% of its energy needs from sustainable sources. This positions the facility as one of the greenest data centres for potential investors on a global scale.

Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, "For over a decade, we have focused on world-class infrastructure and sustainable energy at Tatu City, making it the ideal home for data centres in East Africa. Airtel's decision to establish Nxtra here is a testament to this vision."

Infrastructure and Features of Nxtra Data Centre

The Nxtra data centre will be equipped with advanced technology, including high-density GPU-ready racks, ensuring optimal performance for its clients. Key features include:

• - 99.999% Uptime: The facility is engineered to minimize downtime, ensuring reliability for businesses.
• - Multiple Redundant Fibre Paths: This ensures connectivity is always maintained, reducing the risk of service interruptions.
• - Advanced Security Systems: Nxtra will integrate cutting-edge security measures to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust.

Additionally, the surrounding infrastructure in Tatu City includes a 135MW power substation, a distribution network with a remarkable uptime of 99.7%, and a continuous supply of water, further enhancing its attractiveness as a data centre location.

Benefits of Operating in Tatu City

Tatu City provides businesses with unique financial incentives, such as reduced corporate tax rates (10% for the first ten years and 15% afterward) compared to the country's standard tax rate of 30%. Moreover, companies in this Special Economic Zone can benefit from VAT exemptions on services and goods, as well as waivers on certain import duties.

These incentives have already attracted numerous businesses to Tatu City, which is home to over 100 global and local enterprises, generating a substantial economic impact totaling around KES 400 billion in investments.

A Growing Community

Currently, Tatu City is not just a business hub; it is a vibrant community with more than 25,000 residents, comprising 4,500 completed homes and educational facilities accommodating 6,000 students. The city aims to support both commercial and residential needs, offering a balanced lifestyle free of the congestion experienced in Nairobi.

Conclusion

The Nxtra data centre signifies a crucial leap forward for East Africa’s digital landscape, providing essential infrastructure that will support the growth of businesses and the broader economy. Airtel's involvement is set to open doors for new technological opportunities, ensuring that East Africa remains competitive in the global market. With sustainability and innovation at its core, Nxtra could potentially transform the region’s data management capabilities, paving the way for future advancements.

For more detailed information about Tatu City and Airtel’s data centre, visit this link.