Airtel's Major Kenyan Data Center, Optimized for AI, Pushes Launch to Mid-2027

Airtel Kenya has updated the completion schedule for its $150 million Nxtra data center project in Tatu City, now aiming for a July 2027 launch. This facility, touted as East Africa's largest by capacity, is being constructed with a significant 44-megawatt power capability, delivered in two phases. The revised timeline reflects the extensive nature of the build, which began in September 2025.

The data center is specifically engineered to support high-density, GPU-ready infrastructure. This design choice is critical as it will enable the center to power demanding artificial intelligence and cloud computing workloads across the East African region. The strategic focus on AI readiness positions the facility as a key enabler for advanced technological development in the area.

Discussions are reportedly underway with major global tech players like Google and Microsoft regarding potential hosting partnerships. Located in a Special Economic Zone, the data center will benefit from a dedicated power substation and on-site solar generation, emphasizing sustainability. This initiative is a cornerstone of Kenya's ambition to establish itself as a dominant digital and AI infrastructure hub, catering to the escalating demand for data services throughout East Africa.