Unilever Invests KES 70 Million in Solar at Nairobi Factory, Targeting KES 30 Million in Annual Energy Savings

Unilever has invested KES 70 million (about US$540,000) in an 800kW solar installation at its Nairobi factory, which it expects to supply about 30% of the plant’s electricity and cut annual energy costs by roughly KES 30 million (about US$230,000).

The system became operational in June 2026. Combined with an earlier switch of the factory’s boilers from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to biomass, Unilever estimates the plant has reduced its carbon emissions by about 40% against a 2023 baseline.

The company said the shift also gives the factory more predictable energy costs and a more resilient manufacturing operation, as part of a wider programme to raise 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 plant 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.”

The ceremony was attended by Luck Ochieng, Managing Director for Unilever East Africa, Richard Bogita, Head of Supply Chain, East & West Africa; Elodie Kouassi, Head of Supply Chain, East Africa excluding Ethiopia; and members of Unilever’s Business Operations Leadership Team.

Cost and emissions, together

“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.”

Next phase

Unilever said the next stage of the factory’s decarbonisation programme will move hot-air generation from HFO to biomass-based fuels, further cutting its use of fossil fuels.

The investment comes as Kenya continues to expand its renewable-energy capacity, and shows how private-sector spending can support the country’s clean-energy transition while improving the efficiency of local manufacturing.