Microsoft Announces A Mega USD 1 Bn Data Centre Investment In Kenya

Global tech company Microsoft has announced a USD 1 bn green geothermal-powered data centre in Kenya, one of the largest private sector investments in the country. The construction of the mega project will commence in Q3:2024 by G-42-an AI firm headquartered in UAE, and be completed within two years at the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) Green Energy Park in Naivasha’s Olkaria-Nakuru County (130 Km from Nairobi County). 

KeNGen’s Olkaria Site

This makes it the second green centre at the Park after Konza Technopolis Development Authority’s (KoTDA) groundbreaking in August 2023, signalling its attractiveness to investors seeking similar sustainable infrastructure investments in the area.

“KenGen Green Energy Park has become a hallmark of Kenya’s sustainable development and is a testament to our dedication to innovation, collaboration, and responsible growth. This is an open invitation for investors to join us in creating a greener, more prosperous future…” said KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga.

Microsoft’s new East Africa Cloud Region will be powered by 100% renewable geothermal power while providing scalable, secure, and high-speed cloud computing and AI capabilities. Consequently, this will boost the country’s digital network systems in line with the Kenya National Digital Masterplan 2022-2032, as well as expand the firm’s services in the region.

Data Centre Investments Maintaining Momentum In Kenya

Data centre investments in the country continue to maintain their attractiveness owing to positive demographics fueling the demand for technology services, changing work and lifestyle dynamics, and the government’s support towards digital empowerment. Barely six months ago, Oracle announced plans to open its second African data centre in Kenya after South Africa, whereas Airtel Africa announced plans to establish its second data centre in Nairobi. Microsoft’s intentions not only affirm its commitment to Kenya and East Africa as a whole but will also boost the country’s economic performance through digital transformation as well as encouraging sustainable investments.

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