Solar energy leader Sun King has launched its first African manufacturing facility in Tatu City, Kiambu County, marking a major milestone in its efforts to localise production and strengthen clean energy access across the continent.
The 7,600-square-metre plant will produce up to 700,000 solar-powered and energy-efficient units annually, with capacity for future expansion. The facility integrates manufacturing, refurbishment, and warehousing under one roof, streamlining operations and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
“Opening our own manufacturing facility in Kenya gives us the scale to deliver more efficiently, the flexibility to innovate faster, and the foundation to grow a resilient manufacturing ecosystem here in Africa,” said Kota Kojima, Chief Operating Officer at Sun King.
Powering Progress with Local Innovation
Sun King designs, distributes, installs, and finances solar energy solutions for the 1.8 billion people worldwide who lack reliable electricity. Its product range spans from entry-level solar lanterns and home systems to multi-kilowatt solar setups that rival traditional grid power.
The new Tatu City facility will initially assemble solar-powered televisions and smartphones engineered to run efficiently on Sun King’s off-grid systems. These products are tailored for affordability, durability, and compatibility with the company’s pay-as-you-go solar kits.
“This milestone is a symbol of growing confidence in Kenya’s local manufacturing,” said Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary, State Department of Industry. “It aligns perfectly with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).”
Scaling Clean Energy Access Across Africa
Founded in 2007, Sun King serves millions of customers across Africa and Asia. The company currently delivers over 330,000 solar kits monthly, up from just 10,000 in 2017, and reports that one in five Kenyan households owns a Sun King product.
In July, the company secured a KES 20 billion ($156 million) loan from a consortium of banks and development finance institutions to expand its Kenyan operations. The financing, backed by future customer repayments, aims to reach 1.4 million low-income households and small businesses with solar solutions.
“This facility allows us to harness Africa’s talent and ingenuity while delivering affordable, high-quality products,” said T. Patrick Walsh, Sun King’s co-founder and CEO.
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Building a Greener, More Resilient Future
Sun King’s investment reflects a broader trend among cleantech firms to manufacture closer to their customer base. As demand for solar power and electric mobility surges, companies like Sun King and Spiro—who recently raised $100 million to expand their e-motorcycle network are betting on Africa’s potential to lead the next wave of climate-friendly innovation.
“Our new Kenyan facility reflects Sun King’s long-term partnership with governments and communities to advance Africa’s manufacturing capacity,” said Wale Aboyade, Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Relations.
Looking ahead, Sun King plans to open a second manufacturing plant in Nigeria to further decentralise production and strengthen regional supply networks.
