In today’s digital-first world, the way internet traffic flows is just as important as the data itself. The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has been a global force in enabling faster, more cost-effective, and resilient interconnection across different markets. After successfully launching LINX Nairobi, LINX has now expanded to Mombasa, a critical coastal hub for Kenya and the broader East African region.

On February 13, 2025, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Nurani Nimpuno, Head of Global Engagement at LINX, during the launch of LINX Mombasa at Bahari Beach Hotel in Mombasa. In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, we explored:

• Why LINX chose Mombasa as its next expansion
• The strategic impact of interconnection in Mombasa
• How LINX is reshaping peering and connectivity in Kenya and the rest of East Africa

This conversation provided invaluable insights into how LINX Mombasa will play a crucial role in ensuring faster, more affordable, and more efficient interconnection for networks in Kenya and beyond.

What is LINX? A Global Leader In Internet Peering Services

The London Internet Exchange (LINX) is one of the world’s largest Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), connecting nearly 1,000 networks across 85+ countries. As a neutral, not-for-profit membership organization, LINX enables low-latency, cost-effective, and highly resilient interconnection services that allow ISPs, CDNs, cloud providers, and enterprises to exchange internet traffic efficiently.

After its successful entry into Kenya with LINX Nairobi, where it operates across all major carrier-neutral data centers, LINX has now expanded to Mombasa — a move that strengthens local and regional peering while reducing the cost and inefficiencies of routing traffic through Europe.

Why Mombasa? A Natural Next Step for LINX

During our conversation, Nurani Nimpuno explained why Mombasa was the logical next step after Nairobi:

• A strategic coastal hub — Mombasa is Kenya’s primary landing point for submarine cables, making it a crucial gateway for digital interconnection.
• Carrier-neutral ecosystem — LINX Mombasa is hosted at both iColo MBA1 and MBA2, ensuring equal access for ISPs, cloud providers, and CDNs.
• Keeping local traffic local — Many African networks still route traffic through Europe, increasing costs and latency. LINX Mombasa helps reduce reliance on international transit and ensures faster, more efficient peering.
• Seamless interconnection with Nairobi — Plans are in place to connect LINX Mombasa with LINX Nairobi, enabling a stronger digital backbone for Kenya.
• One-year free peering at MBA2 — Networks connecting to LINX Mombasa at iColo MBA2 will enjoy free peering services for one year, covering port access, peering services, and cross-connect fees.

Nurani emphasized that LINX Mombasa is not just for Kenya — it is for the entire East African region. By enhancing interconnection across submarine cables and regional networks, LINX is paving the way for a more efficient and self-sufficient African internet ecosystem.

Inside iColo MBA2: A Tour of Mombasa’s Cutting-Edge Data Center

After the LINX Mombasa launch at Bahari Beach Hotel, we had the privilege of touring iColo’s MBA2 data center, getting a firsthand look at one of Kenya’s most advanced interconnection facilities.

• Security first — Before entering, we underwent a detailed security check, including photo ID registration, biometric verification, and access logging. Photography and videography were strictly prohibited in secure areas.
• Immaculate standards — Shoe covers were mandatory before entering, underscoring the facility’s focus on hygiene and environmental control.
• Interconnection at scale — iColo MBA2 is built to support multiple submarine cables, positioning it as a key interconnection hub for Kenya and East Africa.

The level of security, operational precision, and infrastructure quality was striking — this is where digital transformation is happening in real time.

The Bigger Picture: How LINX Is Helping Shaping Kenya’s & Africa’s Internet Future

Beyond just benefiting Kenyan ISPs, LINX Mombasa is a regional solution. The presence of submarine cables like 2Africa (backed by Meta) means that traffic originating in Kenya can seamlessly serve markets across East Africa, up to Djibouti, and down to Mauritius.

As more enterprises, fintech companies, and cloud providers embrace peering and interconnection, LINX’s neutral exchange model will be critical in reducing costs, improving network performance, and ensuring that African internet traffic stays within the continent.

During our conversation, Nurani highlighted how enterprises beyond ISPs are beginning to see the value of peering — not just for cost savings, but also for better control over security, latency, and redundancy. This shift highlights the growing maturity of Kenya’s internet ecosystem, as businesses are taking an active role in shaping its future.

Final Thoughts — Listen to the Full Podcast

Being on the ground at Bahari Beach Hotel for the LINX Mombasa launch and later touring iColo MBA2 was an eye-opening experience. It reinforced the fact that Kenya’s internet infrastructure is rapidly evolving, and LINX’s presence in Mombasa is a major step forward for the region’s digital ecosystem.

For the full conversation with Nurani Nimpuno, where we unpack LINX’s role in Mombasa, the future of interconnection, and why this expansion matters, listen to the this episode of Pure Digital Passion.

Listen to the full episode here: