iXAfrica Data Centres has unveiled the first phase of its data centre in Nairobi. Named NBOX1, the 4.5MW facility houses 780 racks and offers hyperscale, carrier-neutral, and AI-ready capabilities.
The data center also expands access to cloud services, secure data storage, and reliable connectivity for businesses, tech providers, and government operations. The data centre is part of a larger 22.5MW campus along Mombasa Road.
Built to meet growing data and computing demands, the centre offers seamless connectivity through multiple network providers and is optimized for AI-driven workloads.
During a visit to the facility, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) CEO John Mwendwa highlighted iXAfrica’s role in strengthening Kenya’s data sovereignty, accelerating digital transformation, and driving cloud adoption.
“Kenya is on the brink of a digital revolution, and investments like iXAfrica’s hyperscale data centre are pivotal in positioning the country as a premier technology and innovation hub,” said Mwendwa.
He said the government is committed to supporting strategic investments that drive digital transformation and economic growth.
“KenInvest is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment and providing aftercare support to investors in Kenya’s digital economy. We are advocating for policy incentives, such as attractive tax breaks for international hyperscalers, to further accelerate investment in cloud and AI infrastructure,” Mwendwa emphasized.
iXAfrica CEO Snehar Shah said the facility is designed to meet the growing demand for cloud and AI infrastructure while ensuring businesses across East Africa have access to secure, scalable, and world-class digital solutions that drive innovation and economic growth.
“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 Government workloads to contribute significantly to the digitalization of services and the cloud adoption in our country,” said Snehar Shah, CEO of iXAfrica Data Centres. In December 2022, Helios Investment Partners committed an initial $50 million in growth capital to develop the facility.
iXAfrica is also playing a critical role in Kenya’s data security landscape and in collaboration with Moringa School, has also launched specialized training programs for Data Protection Officers in the corporate sector.
Kenya’s strategic position, green energy potential, and robust digital economy make it an ideal destination for hyperscale investments. With over 51 million internet subscriptions, 100% mobile penetration, and increasing demand for cloud and AI-driven services, Kenya is fast becoming the gateway for global technology players looking to establish a foothold in Africa.
Key Features of the iXAfrica Data Centre:
- East Africa’s First Hyperscale Data Centre – NBOX1 is a 4.5MW facility, part of a larger 22.5MW campus, set to host global cloud providers and mission-critical government workloads.
- AI-Ready and Carrier-Neutral – Seamless connectivity with major global and regional carriers, multiple internet exchanges including LINX Nairobi and KIXP, and four secure fiber entry points.
- Sustainability-Focused – Leveraging Kenya’s 93% renewable energy grid to power a green, efficient, and scalable digital infrastructure.
- Future Expansion Plans – The development of NBOX1.2 (18MW IT Power) and the upcoming NBOX2 Tilisi campus (53MW on 11 acres) to meet growing regional digital needs.
