Kenya is strengthening its push to become East Africa’s leading digital hub with the opening of the Nairobi Two Data Centre (NBO2), a new facility expected to expand the country’s capacity for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, fintech and regional connectivity.
The facility, operated by Digital Realty following its transition from iColo, adds 6.4 megawatts of capacity to the company’s Nairobi campus and is designed to serve cloud providers, financial institutions, enterprises and internet service providers.
The launch comes as demand for reliable digital infrastructure grows across Africa, driven by cloud adoption, artificial intelligence, digital payments and businesses increasingly moving their operations online.
What makes NBO2 important?
NBO2 has been built alongside the existing Nairobi One (NBO1), creating a larger digital infrastructure campus in Nairobi.
The facility gives customers access to more than 100 networks, two internet exchange points and a satellite teleport, allowing data and digital services to move more efficiently between businesses, consumers and regional markets.
The interconnection infrastructure is particularly important for companies that require reliable access to cloud platforms, telecommunications networks and other digital services.
The facility is also designed to support data sovereignty, allowing businesses to keep critical applications and information within appropriate jurisdictions while remaining connected to global digital platforms.
Kenya wants more digital investment
The government sees data centres as an important part of its wider strategy to transform Kenya into a technology and investment hub.
Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy John Tanui said the government would continue improving policies aimed at making Kenya more attractive to technology investors.
“Work will continue on the policy space to position Kenya as an attractive investment destination, with opportunities being unlocked for young people to take their place in this fast-growing digital economy,” Tanui said.
Tanui has also highlighted wider measures supporting the sector, including the Kenya Cloud Policy, the National AI Strategy 2025–2030, expanded submarine cable connectivity and improvements to national fibre infrastructure.
A young workforce is another advantage
The government is also banking on Kenya’s large pool of technology-skilled young people to support the expansion of the digital economy.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said the country’s youthful and technologically skilled population gives it an advantage as it develops a knowledge-based economy.
“Kenya is actually a knowledge-driven economy, with a well-educated youth population that is tech-savvy,” Isaboke said.
He said the government had prioritised the Digital Superhighway and creative economy as part of its digital transformation agenda.
What NBO2 means for East Africa
Beyond serving Kenyan businesses, the new facility is intended to strengthen Nairobi’s role as a gateway for companies operating across East Africa.
Digital Realty says the additional capacity and interconnection options will help businesses connect with carriers, cloud providers, content companies and enterprises across regional and global markets.
The launch also coincides with iColo’s transition to the Digital Realty brand in Kenya and Mozambique, bringing the local infrastructure into Digital Realty’s wider global platform.
For Kenya, the significance of NBO2 therefore extends beyond one new building. It represents another step in building the infrastructure needed to support the country’s ambitions in AI, cloud computing, fintech, digital services and regional technology investment.
As demand for data continues to rise, Nairobi’s ability to provide reliable power, connectivity, secure data storage and high-capacity interconnection will increasingly determine whether Kenya can maintain its position as East Africa’s digital gateway.
