Nairobi Two Data Center (NBO2) Launches as Digital Realty Expands Campus and Rebrands iColo in Kenya

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Digital Realty, the world’s largest cloud- and carrier-neutral data center platform, today announced the opening of the 6.4-megawatt (MW) Nairobi Two Data Center (NBO2), expanding its Nairobi campus. The opening coincides with iColo’s transition to the Digital Realty brand in Kenya and Mozambique and expands the company’s capacity and interconnection footprint in one of East Africa’s most important digital infrastructure markets. Also, this project cements Nairobi’s position as a leading computing infrastructure in East and Central Africa.

Significance of NBO2

Moreover, built alongside Nairobi One (NBO1), NBO2 strengthens a campus designed for cloud, interconnection and data-driven growth in East Africa. Customers can connect to more than 100 networks, two internet exchange points and a satellite teleport, creating a dense ecosystem for content delivery, cross-border connectivity, data sovereignty strategies and resilient digital services. Also, the satellite teleport provides an additional route for connecting locations where terrestrial infrastructure is limited, strengthening options for resilient and geographically distributed connectivity.

“The opening of NBO2 and our transition to Digital Realty are part of one story: the continued growth of Kenya’s digital economy and iColo’s evolution within a global platform,” said Wanja Muriithi, Country General Manager, Kenya. “By combining our strong local ecosystem in Nairobi with Digital Realty’s global brand, we are giving customers the ability to grow in Kenya while connecting with the broader communities of carriers, clouds, content providers and enterprises that are shaping the global digital economy.”

Furthermore, the announcement comes as cloud adoption, enterprise digitization, data sovereignty requirements and demand for always-on digital services are reshaping infrastructure decisions across East Africa.

Digital Realty to Ensure Excellent Customer Service

Also, with additional capacity in Nairobi and deeper interconnection options, Digital Realty will work to ensure that customers keep critical data and applications sovereign while maintaining access to global platforms, partners and routes to market.

“Digital transformation depends on infrastructure that is local, connected and globally scalable,” said Marcel Louw, Managing Director, Africa, Digital Realty. “Also, with NBO2 now live, Digital Realty is strengthening Nairobi’s position as a gateway for East Africa and extending the value of PlatformDIGITAL to customers seeking resilient colocation, interconnection and hybrid IT solutions. Lastly, this campus gives businesses the foundation to bring data, applications and partners closer together, whether they are serving customers in Kenya, across Africa or around the world.”

Project Factsheet

Facility Name: Nairobi Two Data Center (NBO2)

Developer / Owner: Digital Realty (formerly operating locally as iColo)

Location: Lang’ata South Road & LRC Road, Nairobi, Kenya

Total IT Power Capacity: 6.4 Megawatts (MW)

Building Size / Whitespace: 12,000 sq ft (1,100–3,600 m² of whitespace options)

Deployment Options: Single cabinets, partial cabinets, secure cages, and full private suites

Infrastructure and Ecosystem Features

• Interconnection Hub: Direct access to 100+ networks, two internet exchange points (IXPs), and an integrated satellite teleport for remote coverage.
• Campus Integration: Built directly alongside the existing Nairobi One (NBO1) facility to create a high-density digital ecosystem.
• Redundancy and Cooling: Equipped with 2N UPS power redundancy and N+2 cooling system redundancy.
• Security Standards: Multi-layer security featuring 24/7 onsite security personnel, biometric/photo badge access, and CCTV surveillance with 90+ day backup storage.
• Certifications: ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS compliant.

Project Team

Owner and Master Platform

• Digital Realty: Global data center and carrier-neutral platform owner executing the facility expansion and integration under its global PlatformDIGITAL® network.
• iColo (iColo.io): The local subsidiary/operating entity undergoing brand transition to Digital Realty in Kenya and Mozambique while directly managing campus operations.

Specialized EPC, Engineering and Consultancy Contractors

• Specialized East African Mission-Critical EPC Contractors: Local and regional engineering, procurement, and construction contractors executing specialized data hall, structural, and civil builds.
• Remax Consult Ltd: Mechanical & Electrical (MEP) Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) engineering consultants managing MEP supervision.
• Jonkerbosplein / Specialized MEP Design Consultants: Design engineering consultants tasked with technical 3D layout, equipment routing, and MEP system designs (CRAC units, cooling loops, and cable tray infrastructure).

Ecosystem, Connectivity and Exchange Partners

• Local and Regional Network Carriers: Over 100 telecommunication and fiber optic network operators interconnecting directly at the campus.
• Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Hosting two key internet exchange points (including KIXP – Kenya Internet Exchange Point) to facilitate local traffic peering.
• Satellite Teleport Operators: Satellite infrastructure partners providing remote dish and teleport link connectivity to extend coverage in areas with limited terrestrial fiber.