Safaricom has completed the first phase of a Tier 3+ data centre in Limuru, marking a strategic expansion of its digital infrastructure to enhance service reliability and compliance with Kenya’s data regulations.
Located in the Redhill area of Limuru, the facility is one of three planned over the long term.
It is designed to support the telco’s growing demand for data processing and storage, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for its customers.
Joshua Ogoti, the Principal Engineer overseeing the project, stated that the data centre will strengthen the stability of services such as M-PESA, enabling more transactions per second without disruptions.
“We have automated systems, so customers can make queries and get solutions at the touch of a button,” he added.
The facility, which is classified as Tier 3+, meets global standards for uptime and security, with a 99.982% availability rating.
This places it in the same category as data centres used by hyperscalers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Oracle.
Esther Karuga, the Senior Manager leading the project, stated that the facility has undergone tests to align with international best practices.
“When we call it world-class, we have already been tested in terms of best practices and industry standards, and that means we play in the same league with Google and Microsoft,” she said.
Unlike many other companies that lease data storage space, Safaricom opted to purchase land and construct the facility in line with Kenya’s data privacy laws.
The choice of Limuru was also influenced by environmental considerations.
The development is part of Safaricom’s broader strategy to strengthen digital resilience, ensuring that critical services such as mobile payments, internet access, and cloud storage operate seamlessly.
