Unilever has invested KSh70 million (about US$540,000) in an 800kW solar power installation at its Nairobi factory, which is expected to supply about 30 per cent of the plant’s electricity and cut annual energy costs by roughly KSh30 million (about US$230,000).
The solar system became operational in June 2026. Combined with the earlier conversion of the factory’s boilers from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to biomass, Unilever estimates that the plant has reduced its carbon emissions by about 40 per cent against a 2023 baseline.
The company said the shift to renewable energy would also provide more predictable energy costs and strengthen the resilience of its manufacturing operations as part of a wider programme to increase renewable energy use across its plants and reduce dependence on conventional fuels.
“Investments like this make our operations more resilient and more competitive while reducing our reliance on conventional energy,” said João F. Ribeiro, Unilever’s 1UL Supply Chain Head, who unveiled the solar installation at a ceremony at the factory.
“The Nairobi factory is an important part of our manufacturing footprint, and this project shows how local action can contribute to our wider climate ambitions,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by Luck Ochieng, Managing Director for Unilever East Africa; Richard Bogita, Head of Supply Chain, East and West Africa; Elodie Kouassi, Head of Supply Chain, East Africa excluding Ethiopia; and members of Unilever’s Business Operations Leadership Team.
“This investment demonstrates that sustainability and strong business performance can advance together,” said Kouassi.
“By increasing renewable energy use at our Nairobi factory, we are reducing operational emissions, managing energy costs and strengthening the resilience of our supply chain,” she said.
Unilever said the next stage of the factory’s decarbonisation programme will involve shifting hot-air generation from HFO to biomass-based fuels, further reducing its use of fossil fuels.
The investment comes as Kenya continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, highlighting how private-sector investment in clean energy can support the country’s energy transition while improving the efficiency and resilience of local manufacturing.
