Africa Climate Summit 2023: Unga Group, Simba Cement, Other Big Kenyan Companies That Use Solar Power

• Kenya hosted the first-ever Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023, focusing on the continent's solutions to climate change
• Kenya boasts more than 90% of the power generated from green energy sources, including hydro-electric power and solar power
• Industry stakeholders have been embracing green energy solutions to adapt and mitigate climate change
• Companies including Unga Limited, Maisha Mabati and state agencies like the Kenya Forest Service (KWS) are utilising renewable sources of energy for their operations

Kenya is committed to ensuring that the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) on climate change are met.

The country hosted the inaugural Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023 in Nairobi between September 4 and September 6.

The summit focused on the continent's solutions to climate change, including energy systems and industry.

Kenya is a major renewable energy generator, boasting over 90% solar and hydropower - a move that has seen industry players join the race to adapt and mitigate climate change.

President William Ruto revealed that Kenya's electricity national grid operates at 3 Gigawatts, with 93% renewable power.

"We target 100% renewable by 2030 and a 100 gigawatts grid, entirely renewable by 2040. The abundance of our renewable sources, possibilities of new technologies and opportunities created by new climate financing offer enormous possibilities for us," said Ruto.

Below are big companies in the country that utilises the use of solar energy;

Unga Group

Unga Group Limited announced plans to set up a KSh 300 million solar power generation project, which will generate power for its manufacturing plants.

The company said it aims to reduce its power costs by more than 27% and help cut down its carbon footprint by 2,454 tons of CO2/year.

“At Unga Group, we are deliberately pursuing a green growth agenda by adopting environmentally friendly solutions in all our operating touchpoints," said the Group MD Joseph Choge, as quoted by Capital Business.

Simba Cement

Simba Cement, a subsidiary of Devki Group, announced plans to build a 60 MW wind farm to power its operations.

The company's owner, Narendra Raval, said setting up a wind power plant in West Pokot County will help the company lower electricity costs, Daily Nation reported.

Sister firm Devki Steel Mills, also disclosed plans to build a 65 MW wind farm in Samburu, Kwale County.

Kenya Breweries

In September 2023, Kenya Breweries Limited managing director John Musunga said the company plans to generate its power before 2030 in an ambitious proposal worth KSh 22 billion.

Musunga revealed the brewer had partly switched to using solar energy in its new Kisumu plant.

In the green energy plan, the foreign-owned company targets to generate at least 9.3 megawatts at its Ruaraka plant and 2.4 megawatts in Kisumu from solar energy.

The investment would help the brewer reduce carbon emissions by 95% and create over 900 direct and indirect jobs.

Kenya Wildlife Service

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) installed the first solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations at Nairobi National Park.

"Electric vehicles bring substantial advantages to our conservation areas, as they produce no harmful carbon emissions, contribute to noise pollution reduction, and rely on renewable energy sources," said KWS.

The government agency took the steps following the first-ever Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi.

Ruto drives electric vehicle

President William Ruto's administration championed the use of green mobility to reduce carbon emissions.

Ruto showcased his commitment to climate change solutions by adapting and adopting low-carbon and efficient transportation systems.

The head of state drove Autopax AirEv YETU Y300, whose battery capacity can go up to 300 kilometres.