Sun King, Kenya’s leading solar and energy-efficient appliances company, has inaugurated its first large-scale manufacturing facility in Tatu City, Kiambu County. The facility marks Sun King’s first manufacturing operation in Africa and represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s industrialization journey.
The new 7,600-square-meter facility has an annual production capacity of up to 700,000 units, with scope for further expansion. It consolidates manufacturing, refurbishment, and high-capacity warehousing under one roof, strengthening Sun King’s ability to serve customers across Kenya and the wider continent.
By producing closer to its customer base, Sun King aims to localize manufacturing, shorten supply chains, and increase local value addition. The company estimates that this investment could substitute more than USD $150 million in imports across Africa over five years, keeping more value and jobs within the Kenyan economy.
Sun King Supporting Kenya’s Industrialization Vision
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government officials and industry leaders, including:
- Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary, State Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
- Anne Naliaka, Senior Industrial Development Officer, State Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
- Eng. Isaac Kiva, Secretary for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy
- Miriam Bomet, Head of Policy, Regulatory and Advocacy Unit, Kenya Association of Manufacturers
Also present were representatives from the Kenya Renewable Energy Association (KEREA), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Electronic-waste Producer Responsibility Organization of Kenya (EPROK), ICT Authority of Kenya, Stanbic Bank, Citi Bank, Absa Bank, Co-operative Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, and other key partners.
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Sun King designs, installs, and finances a wide range of solar products and electronics, including smartphones and energy-efficient appliances such as televisions, fans, and freezers that work seamlessly with its solar systems. These products provide clean power and connectivity to millions of households and small businesses.
The Tatu City facility will initially produce Sun King’s televisions and smartphones, designed to operate efficiently on the solar systems that the company delivers. Sun King is actively investigating how to expand into additional product lines and explore manufacturing pathways that leverage Kenya’s growing industrial base to lower costs for customers.
“At Sun King, we’re driven by a simple commitment: to deliver the best-quality products at prices that families and businesses in Kenya and across Africa can afford. This facility allows us to harness Kenya’s talent and ingenuity to keep delivering on that promise.” T. Patrick Walsh, CEO and Co-Founder, Sun King
Kenya’s long-term development agenda, anchored in Vision 2030, places strong emphasis on industrialization and job creation as drivers of inclusive economic growth. The government aims to expand manufacturing’s contribution to GDP and strengthen domestic value chains. Initiatives such as the development of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) are designed to stimulate local industry, create employment, and enhance competitiveness across the country.
“I want to thank Sun King for the courage and confidence that they have shown. This milestone is a symbol of growing confidence in Kenya’s local manufacturing.” Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary, State Department of Industry, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. “This is very much in line with the Kenyan Government’s agenda, such as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.”
Jobs, Skills, and Future Growth
The facility currently employs 90 people, 60 percent men and 40 percent women, and is expected to expand to over 350 employees within five years. Sun King plans to work with technical institutions — including the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and local universities — to provide structured internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Participants will gain hands-on experience in light manufacturing and process-improvement projects, with high-performing trainees offered pathways to full-time roles.
“This facility reflects Sun King’s long-term partnership with government and local communities to advance Africa’s manufacturing capability,” said Dr. Wale Aboyade, Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Government Relations, Sun King. “Kenya has the policy vision, the talent, and the drive to lead this transformation. We’re proud to play our part in turning that potential into lasting industrial growth.”
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