National data centre for launch in May

FATMA ABDU

The Minister for Works, Transport and Communication, Prof Makame urged ICT stakeholders and other institutions in the country to store their data at the national data centre, belittling the current trend of sending such data abroad for storage.

Prof Mbarawa, speaking at a meeting with ICT stakeholders from private and government institutions, directed them against construction of other data centres in the country, saying the existing speedy government data centre guarantees maximum security of data.

“We will not allow anybody or institution to construct other data centre in the country, we instead call upon you to store your data at the national data centre to promote the national income for the benefit of all,” Prof Mbarawa said.

He pointed out that the centre will start to operate in May this year, providing high quality database hosting services to government and business institutions.

“This is big business where it will offer cost-effective alternative to those who host their servers abroad and the government will ensure the centre will operate effectively,” said the minister.

Prof Mbarawa assured ICT stakeholders of maximum security of their data, saying the centre will respond quickly to business needs. “This is the best centre for ICT and IT industry across East Africa.

The centre will have high technology infrastructure to host services from the government and other business institutions. Prof Mbarawa pointed out that the centre will connect to all East Africa countries including Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda where it serves businesses.

“Various institutions and other ICT companies will soon no longer depend on other country’s data centres thanks to this centre, which will also be used by other East African countries,” he said.

For his part, TTCL Product Manager Mr Abdul Mambokeleo said that the centre will start to operate on May this year and it would help to increase national income since various business institutions in the country use the centre.

“The centre would enhance economic innovation and creativity. We assure high secured data and security,” he said.