By Josiah Kariuki
Kenya has strengthened its digital infrastructure with the commissioning of the NBO2 Data Centre in Nairobi.
The facility is expected to increase the country’s capacity to host digital services and support growing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and data storage.
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Developed by Digital Realty, formerly iColo, the facility was commissioned by ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui alongside Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke.
The launch brought together government officials, diplomats, technology companies and other industry stakeholders, as Kenya seeks to position itself as a regional hub for digital services and investment.
Tanui said the government was committed to creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment to attract digital investments, promote innovation and create opportunities for young Kenyans.
He said Kenya intended to remain a preferred destination for digital investment on the continent as demand for technology infrastructure continues to grow.
Isaboke said Kenya’s youthful and technology-oriented population remained one of the country’s key advantages in the global digital economy.
He linked the expansion of digital infrastructure to government efforts under the Digital Superhighway Programme, which seeks to expand fibre connectivity, establish digital hubs and increase access to public Wi-Fi across the country.
The commissioning of NBO2 comes as demand for data centres grows alongside the expansion of cloud services, artificial intelligence, digital financial services, cybersecurity and e-commerce.
Data centres provide the infrastructure required to store and process digital information and enable businesses and technology companies to deliver services to customers.
The new facility is expected to increase Kenya’s capacity to host data locally while supporting faster and more reliable digital services for businesses and consumers.
It is also expected to support financial institutions, cloud service providers, internet service providers and multinational technology companies serving markets in Kenya and across the wider East African region.
The expansion of data-centre capacity is increasingly becoming a key component of national digital infrastructure as governments and businesses seek to reduce dependence on overseas infrastructure and improve access to locally hosted services.
The investments also form part of broader efforts to attract technology companies and create higher-value employment opportunities in the digital economy.
The commissioning of NBO2 therefore adds to Kenya’s growing digital infrastructure base as the country seeks to strengthen its position as an East African technology and connectivity hub.
