For the launch of a new interconnection hub for Kenya, the London Internet Exchange (LINX) has established a strategic relationship with Nairobi-based data center provider IXAfrica Data Centre.
The new Internet Exchange, known as LINX Nairobi, would offer the area future-proof interconnection solutions for international networks with the capacity to scale along with Kenya’s rapidly expanding digital landscape.
“We are very much looking forward to bringing LINX to Kenya, our first physical presence in Africa,” said Nurani Nimpuno, Head of Global Engagement for LINX. “LINX Nairobi will be fully supported by our world class engineering team and 24/7 NOC and existing LINX members will also be able to add this new location, once live, using our member portal.”
LINX Nairobi
Networks from across Kenya and around the world are expressing interest in joining to LINX Nairobi, so the company says, which is expected to go live later this year. The new Internet Exchange at this location in Kenya would offer an ideal position to access low latency routes to and from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, providing a hub where networks meet and pass traffic.
“Africa is undergoing a digital transformation,” said Niraj Shah, Director of Sales at IXAfrica. “It is seeing a tremendous expansion in cloud applications as more businesses go digital, with the hyperscalers realizing this potential…”
With a 22.5MW IT capacity, IXAfrica claims to have constructed the first hyperscale data center facility in East Africa. The M&E equipment is on order and will be installed, bringing the first phase of the 4.5MW project close to completion. This is anticipated to be operational in the month of November.
“The digital economy is a foundational pillar in Kenya’s vision of building an empowered society,” added Niraj Shah. “Data centers sit at the core of this digital innovation and the internet is now closer to users. Having LINX at IXAfrica enables our customers to capitalize on the large footprint and realize the benefits of reduced costs, low latency, with lesser bandwidth.”
At the end of the month in Kigali, Rwanda, representatives from LINX and IXAfrica will take part in the African Peering Forum (AfPIF). The LINX Nairobi brand will be introduced at this event and will be discussed with influential members of the interconnect and peering community.
