Airtel's New Data Center at Tatu City: A Milestone for East Africa
Airtel recently commenced construction on its Nxtra data center in Tatu City, marking a significant milestone for the region's digital landscape. Nestled in Kenya’s thriving Special Economic Zone, this state-of-the-art facility is set to deliver an impressive 44MW of IT power capacity. The investment comes as part of Tatu City's strategic initiative to establish itself as East Africa's data center hub.
Tatu City is uniquely positioned to support such infrastructure due to its commitment to sustainable energy practices. The area boasts an impressive 95% renewable energy supply, making it an attractive locale for both investors and technology firms looking to minimize their environmental footprint. Furthermore, it is the only data center location in Kenya equipped with around-the-clock water supply, ensuring operational resilience.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Stephen Jennings, the Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, expressed his optimism for Tatu City, emphasizing the years of investment in infrastructure and sustainability that has made it the ideal home for technology ventures. He stated, “Airtel's decision to locate Nxtra here is a powerful endorsement of this vision,” and shared confidence that more data centers would be established in the region.
Yashnath Issur, CEO of Data Centers at Airtel Africa, underscored the importance of the new center for regional growth. He remarked, “By building the largest data center in East Africa, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving digital ecosystem that empowers businesses.” This indicates a focused effort on creating a robust digital economy that will provide various opportunities for both local businesses and international firms.
The architectural design of the Nxtra facility promises modern features including high-density GPU-ready racks, multiple redundant fiber paths, and advanced security systems, all designed to ensure 99.999% uptime. This level of reliability is crucial for businesses that depend heavily on uninterrupted digital services.
Airtel's endeavor is not just about increasing capacity; sustainability remains a core commitment. As one-third of Tatu City's energy supply will be met through solar power, this enhances the location's appeal as a sustainable data center. Together with Kenya's largely renewable national grid, the data center will benefit from one of the cleanest energy supplies globally, further reinforcing its commitment to environmentally responsible operations.
Every day, more than 25,000 people inhabit Tatu City, which is rapidly transforming with 4,500 completed homes and thousands of students attending its schools. Moreover, businesses in the area represent significant investments totaling over KES 400 billion, showcasing Tatu City's economic potential.
With incentives like a reduced corporate tax rate and various exemptions for businesses operating within the SEZ, Tatu City is fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth. Companies such as Emirates Logistics, Heineken, and others have already set up operations there, highlighting the area's allure.
In conclusion, Airtel's Nxtra data center in Tatu City is more than just a building project; it is a pivotal step towards establishing a sustainable, digital future for East Africa. As more organizations recognize the importance of eco-friendly infrastructure and technology, Tatu City is likely to continue its trajectory as a leading hub for data centers, driving economic transformation and digital innovation in the region.
To learn more about Tatu City and its offerings, visit
Tatu City Website or check out
Rendeavour.