By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Kenya has launched the NBO2
Data Centre in Nairobi, boosting the country’s position as a regional digital
gateway and expanding infrastructure to support cloud computing, artificial
intelligence, financial services and digital connectivity across East Africa.
The facility, operated by
Digital Realty following its acquisition of iColo, was officially launched by
Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy Eng. John Tanui and
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke.
NBO2 is designed to provide
a secure, scalable and connected environment for cloud providers, financial
services companies, enterprises and internet service providers operating in
Kenya and the wider region.
The facility is expected to
strengthen the infrastructure needed to support growing demand for cloud
services, AI applications and interconnectivity while providing businesses with
expanded capacity to scale their digital operations.
Speaking at the launch,
Tanui reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling policy
environment for digital investment and highlighted Kenya’s strategic position
as a regional digital gateway.
“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.
Isaboke said the government
has prioritised the Digital Superhighway and the creative economy as key areas
of focus, describing Kenya as a knowledge-driven economy supported by a
well-educated and technology-oriented young population.
The launch brought together
senior government officials, international representatives and technology
industry stakeholders, including U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African
Affairs Frank Garcia, U.S. Embassy Nairobi Chargé d’Affaires Susan M. Burns,
Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology Ambassador Philip Thigo and Communications
Authority of Kenya Director General David Mugonyi.
