Kenya: IIJ of Japan looks into data center set up in Kenya

Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ) is considering deploying a containerized modular data center in Kenya. This week, the company reported that the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has been exploring methods to "capture the vitality of the African market" and has decided to investigate a data center project. According to IIJ, the demand for digital services in the country is on the rise, causing bandwidth issues as the majority of consumers rely on services based outside of Kenya.

The growth and supply of ICT infrastructure, including data centers, cannot keep up with demand, according to IIJ. “We have developed our own container-type DC co-IZmo/I that can be easily installed by transporting servers and network equipment inside. This time, we will investigate the feasibility of using this co-IZmo/I as a data center for basic infrastructure in the country and as a DC for cloud services for local content providers.”

Co-IZmo/I is a 4-rack, ISO 20-foot container module with a maximum power output of 10kW per rack. The modules can utilize indirect outside air conditioning for a PUE of 1.17 annually. The IIJ's Matsue Park uses containers to construct data centers with hundreds of racks.

During the feasibility study, IIJ intends to find a partner to host the container data center on suitable land with sufficient electricity and fiber.