Airtel’s Vision for Digital Transformation in Kenya
Airtel has taken a significant step forward in the digital landscape of East Africa with the groundbreaking of Nxtra by Airtel, the region’s largest data centre. This initiative is set to enhance digital resilience and create hundreds of jobs, among other benefits. The data centre aims to provide secure, scalable infrastructure that will support small and medium-sized enterprises while boosting the local tech ecosystem.
Creating Opportunities Through Infrastructure
The telecommunications company is redefining the role of technology in society by leveraging innovation to empower communities, businesses, and individuals through community and school programmes. Airtel Kenya has reiterated its commitment to building infrastructure that not only enhances connectivity but also creates tangible economic and social opportunities.
Ashish Malhotra, Airtel Kenya Managing Director, emphasized that the real power of technology lies in preparing future generations to fully harness its potential. He highlighted that Nxtra by Airtel will provide a secure, future-ready infrastructure that enables Kenyan businesses, especially small businesses, to store, process, and access information seamlessly.
“Through our Adopt a School Programme in partnership with UNICEF, we are bridging the digital divide by equipping over 100,000 students across Kenya with access to online educational content and digital learning tools,” the company told foot-care.co.ke.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Education
Beyond infrastructure, Airtel Kenya is tackling the digital divide in education head-on through its Adopt a School Programme. The programme, which has been implemented in partnership with UNICEF, has provided over 100,000 students across Kenya with access to online learning tools and digital content, transforming classrooms into gateways of opportunity.
Each connected classroom represents a bridge to opportunity, innovation, and a more equitable future, reinforcing the belief that true progress is inclusive progress, where every child, regardless of location, has equal access to information and opportunity.
Airtel’s Impact in Kenya and Africa
Airtel’s network now covers 81.2% of the population, with over 36,000 4G infrastructure sites, including more than 15,300 in rural areas, according to the company’s 2025 Sustainability Report. This expansion has dramatically improved access to voice, data, and mobile money services, driving local economic growth and enabling underserved communities to connect to essential services.
Airtel’s investment in digital inclusion has gone hand-in-hand with financial empowerment. The company now serves 44.6 million Airtel Money customers, with women representing 44.2% of this base, underscoring its commitment to bridging the gender gap in financial services.
Its 1.7 million-agent distribution network also provides income opportunities and strengthens market reach, reinforcing the company’s role as an engine for employment.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability remains central to Airtel Kenya’s operations, as evidenced by the conversion of 500 off-grid sites to on-grid power generators and the replacement of over 1,400 end-of-life batteries with lithium-ion alternatives. The company has also managed to recycle 93% of its total generated waste, minimising its environmental footprint while supporting the circular economy.
Airtel is using technology as a catalyst for transformation by combining strategic investments with community-focused initiatives, from education and employment to gender equality and environmental responsibility.
