LINX to Take Over Asteroid’s Kenya Interconnection Hubs

The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has entered into a co‑operative agreement with Internet Exchange incubator Asteroid to assume responsibility for interconnection operations in Kenya. The transition, which begins immediately and runs through the end of 2025, will see LINX take over management of networks connected through Asteroid’s facilities in Mombasa and Nairobi.

Throughout the handover period, both organisations will deliver technical support to ensure continuity of service, with Asteroid winding down Kenyan operations by December 2025.

Asteroid retires from Kenya

The arrangement mirrors Asteroid’s established strategy of incubating markets before transitioning them to larger operators with broader international reach. Kenya now represents the third market where Asteroid has developed interconnection services and then transferred operations to an established exchange provider.

LINX brings global reach to local networks

Under the agreement, customer networks in Kenya will gain direct access to LINX’s international footprint. It includes points of presence across the UK and the United States, with a further expansion into Ghana scheduled for later in 2025.

Jennifer Holmes, chief executive of LINX, framed the development as an extension of the organisation’s global mission. “We feel very privileged to carry on the baton, so to speak. We will drive to continue the amazing work Asteroid has achieved in Kenya and look forward to working with their customers on the next step of their interconnection journey,” she said.

LINX, which operates as a member‑owned, not‑for‑profit body serving more than 900 autonomous systems worldwide, first entered Africa through Nairobi in 2023, followed by its launch in Mombasa earlier this year.

Technical and commercial benefits for Kenyan operators

Networks transitioning from Asteroid will gain access to LINX services designed to strengthen resiliency and scalability. Offerings include 24‑hour engineering support, the LINX Private VLAN product and Microsoft Azure Peering Service integration.

Jennifer stressed that accelerating interconnection growth in Kenya forms a strategic priority for LINX. Strengthening connectivity links is expected to enable local operators to scale more effectively while tapping into a much wider pool of peering partners.

“Supporting the growth of interconnection in Kenya benefits not just the local ecosystem but also the global internet community,” she noted.

Access to expanded peering opportunities

During the transition phase, Asteroid customers will retain their interconnection arrangements while benefitting from LINX’s global membership structure. It provides additional scope for forming peering relationships both within Kenya and across international hubs, including London, Manchester, Scotland, Wales and Northern Virginia.

The broader reach introduces opportunities for direct connections with new content providers, carriers and cloud operators previously beyond the scope of Kenya‑focused facilities. For enterprises, the shift creates a better ability to optimise traffic flows, manage latency and meet user demands for resilient digital experiences.

Membership model supports network influence

LINX’s governance structure differentiates it from commercial operators by allowing all connected autonomous systems equal representation in decision‑making. Regular general meetings provide members with a platform to influence exchange policies and infrastructure development priorities.

The approach not only embeds alignment with members’ commercial strategies but strengthens global cooperation across sectors. There is evidence that the model attracts consistent participation from network operators seeking sustainable, transparent leadership throughout LINX’s 30‑year history.

Confidence in continued growth for East Africa

For Asteroid, the transition represents confidence in LINX’s ability to sustain the momentum generated in East Africa from 2020.  Remco concluded: “We are excited to have entered into this agreement with LINX and trust that they will continue our mission to support the growth of interconnection in East Africa.”

By integrating Asteroid’s Kenyan presence into its broader network, LINX becomes a key enabler of evolving East African connectivity.

Operators in Nairobi, Mombasa and beyond now stand to benefit from global partner access, extended services and the backing of one of the world’s most established member-led exchanges.