Airtel goes big with data centre to be ready by July 2027

Bharti Airtel logo. [Photo: Courtesy]

Airtel Kenya is setting up a state-of-the-art data centre based in Kenya that will position Nairobi as the leading digital hub in the region. The center is expected to host data for customers and enterprises which will improve customer experience.

Airtel Kenya CEO Djibril Tobe said the construction of the Data Center, which will be 10 times bigger than the data centers in existence currently, is ongoing and due to completion by July next year.

"In this Data Center, we are investing in the future. The facility will strengthen the position of Kenya as the leading regional hub in East and Central Africa." he said.

Tobe revealed talks between Airtel and Google and Apple are ongoing to have the two firms hosted at the center.

Tobe further noted that the telco is collaborating with SpaceX, the Mother company of Starlink in a project called 'Direct To Cell' to improve its network coverage across the country.

He said they have already conducted a successful pilot test of the same and it is subject to clearance by the regulators.

"Customers will be available and reachable everywhere in the country even if there is no coverage of the Airtel traditional network, you will be covered by the SpaceX satellite at no extra charges still within the Airtel network," he said. The service will be available to 4G and 5G connected customers.

The new CEO said the telco is also actively addressing the challenges of failing quality of network service brought about by challenges like upcoming high rise buildings among others, with plans already in place to cover all major highways and rural areas. Airtel is also expanding to fiber networks as part of the solutions.

"Over the last few years we have been investing heavily in expanding our coverage, making sure that we are strengthening our network for the sole purpose of improving customer experience." Tobe said.

At the same time, the firm launched their latest product called "Bizna Wallet" aimed at helping Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to manage business and personal funds.

"Small businesses are at the heart of Kenya's economy, yet many entrepreneurs still rely on personal wallets to manage business finances. Airtel Money Bizna Wallet is designed for kiosk owners, market traders, boda boda riders, matatu operators and other micro-businesses." said Micheal Bonke, the acting Airtel Money Kenya managing director.

According to Bonke, Bizna Wallet has been tailored to monitor daily transactions, access mini statements, receive funds from across networks and protect their money from unauthorised reversals.

Alongside the Bizna Wallet, Airtel Kenya also expanded their "Rudishiwa cashback proposition that will ensure customers get 50 per cent cashback on the transaction fee on all eligible transactions.