Sylvia Duruson
Kenya has taken a significant step in strengthening regional internet infrastructure through a partnership between the Kenya Internet Exchange Point and iXAfrica Data Centers. The collaboration establishes a new peering Point of Presence at iXAfrica’s NBOX1 facility, East and Central Africa’s only hyper-scale data center.
East Africa’s growing population of nearly 500 million people, combined with internet penetration exceeding 35 percent, creates unprecedented demand for reliable internet services. The new infrastructure addresses this need by enabling direct network interconnections and reducing latency across the region.
The strategic implementation supports over 400 licensed operators while providing essential infrastructure for delivering quality internet services. This development particularly benefits local Internet Service Providers by reducing dependency on expensive international routes, resulting in cost savings that extend to end-users.
The region’s digital economy shows promising growth potential, with projections exceeding $10 billion by 2025. This new Point of Presence creates a foundation for sustained development by optimizing regional traffic management and improving network efficiency.
TESPOK CEO Fiona Asonga emphasized the partnership’s importance in building resilient internet infrastructure for regional growth. The collaboration aims to ensure accessible and efficient internet services while fostering digital inclusion across East Africa.
iXAfrica Data Centres CEO Snehar Shah highlighted the company’s commitment to regional digital transformation. The partnership strengthens iXAfrica’s position as the leading hyperscale data center in East and Central Africa, supporting the region’s expanding digital needs.
The initiative aligns with broader continental objectives, particularly the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030. By optimizing traffic routing and enhancing international internet performance, the project increases East Africa’s attractiveness for global investment and technological advancement.
Kenya’s position as a digital innovation leader continues to grow through this development. The improved infrastructure facilitates better connections between hyperscalers and local networks, enhancing content accessibility and service delivery while positioning Kenya as a crucial gateway for global cloud and data providers entering the African market.
This regional interconnection development carries implications beyond East Africa’s borders. The optimized routing infrastructure improves international internet performance and strengthens the region’s position in the global digital ecosystem, fostering seamless cross-border communication and digital commerce.
