INDUSTRIAL VISIT TO AFRICA DATA CENTRES
Industrial Visit to Africa Data Centres
Organized by: IEEE Sensors Council MMU Chapter
Target Date: 7th May 2026
Location: Africa Data Centres, Sameer Business Park, Nairobi
Introduction
The IEEE Sensors Council MMU Chapter is dedicated to the advancement of sensor theory, design, and application. As part of our commitment to bridging academic knowledge and industrial practice, this technical visit aims to expose engineering students to operational data centre infrastructure and demonstrate how sensing technologies, monitoring systems, and control mechanisms are applied to ensure reliability, uptime, and efficiency in mission-critical environments.
Objectives of the Industrial Visit
- To understand data centre infrastructure including power redundancy, cooling systems, and structured cabling environments
- To observe environmental monitoring systems such as temperature, humidity, airflow, and water leak detection sensors
- To study DCIM platforms and Building Management Systems used in facility supervision
- To expose students to engineering roles within data centre operations including electrical, mechanical, and network engineering
- To create opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and future internships
Pre-Visit Webinar
A technical webinar will be organized one week before the visit to prepare participants.
Theme:
Sensor-Driven Monitoring and Reliability in Modern Data Centres
Webinar Coverage
- Data centre architecture (power, cooling, network layers)
- Environmental monitoring using temperature and humidity sensors
- Redundancy concepts (N+1, 2N, Tier classifications)
- DCIM (Data Centre Infrastructure Management) systems
- Predictive maintenance and uptime assurance
- Preparation for technical engagement during the visit
Expected Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Identify sensor types used in data centre monitoring
- Understand how sensors support uptime and reliability
- Explain redundancy concepts in power and cooling systems
- Understand DCIM and automated monitoring platforms
- Gain insights into engineering roles in data centre operations
- Develop a technical report for IEEE documentation and knowledge sharing
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
-
Add Event to Calendar
- Nairobi, Nairobi
- Kenya
- Contact Event Host
- Co-sponsored by IEEE Sensors Council Kenya Section Joint Chapter
- Starts 26 April 2026 09:00 PM UTC
- Ends 05 May 2026 09:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Agenda
IEEE Sensors Council MMU – Industrial Visit to Africa Data Centres
Date: 7th May 2026
Location: Africa Data Centres, Sameer Business Park, Nairobi
Visit Program
09:00 – 09:20
Arrival, Registration and Security Clearance
09:20 – 09:30
Welcome Remarks
- IEEE Sensors Council MMU Representative
- Africa Data Centres Host Team
09:30 – 10:00
Introduction to Africa Data Centres
- Overview of facility
- Data centre tier classification
- Services offered
10:00 – 10:45
Power Infrastructure Tour
- Utility power intake
- UPS systems
- Generator backup systems
- Power redundancy (N+1 / 2N concepts)
10:45 – 11:15
Cooling Systems Overview
- CRAC/CRAH units
- Airflow management
- Hot aisle / cold aisle containment
- Environmental monitoring sensors
11:15 – 11:45
Monitoring & Control Systems
- DCIM platform overview
- Building Management System (BMS)
- Sensor-based monitoring (temperature, humidity, leak detection)
11:45 – 12:15
Data Hall Walkthrough
- Rack layout
- Structured cabling
- Fire suppression systems
- Physical security
12:15 – 12:35
Career Talk: Engineering Roles in Data Centres
- Electrical engineering roles
- Mechanical engineering roles
- Network operations roles
- Internship opportunities
12:35 – 12:50
Q&A Session
12:50 – 13:00
Closing Remarks and Group Photo
13:00 - 15:00
Journey back to Multimedia University of Kenya
This industrial visit is organized by IEEE Sensors Council MMU Chapter as part of its mission to promote practical exposure to sensing technologies and modern digital infrastructure.