Coca-Cola is moving to power its Kenyan operations with renewable energy, unveiling plans to install solar plants at its manufacturing facilities in Nairobi and Kisumu with a combined capacity of 3.98 megawatts.
The beverage maker will set up a 2.076MW solar system at its Embakasi plant in Nairobi and a 1.907MW installation at its Kisumu facility, according to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The project highlights a growing shift among businesses in Kenya toward captive power generation as electricity costs remain high. Captive power refers to energy produced and consumed by the same entity, often through on-site renewable systems.
Between July and December 2025, the regulator issued 24 permits for captive power generation or supply. During the same period, an additional 26.2MW of capacity was added, bringing the national total to 630.1MW by December, up from 603.8MW six months earlier.
Solar photovoltaic systems account for the largest share of this capacity at 326.7MW, representing 51.86% of the total captive generation.
Growing shift to solar energy
Businesses and households across Kenya are increasingly adopting solar power, driven by falling costs of key components such as panels, inverters and battery storage systems. This trend has made solar energy a practical option for companies seeking to lower operational costs while ensuring reliable energy supply.
While approval has been granted for Coca-Cola’s installations, it remains unclear whether construction had been completed by the end of 2025 when the report was prepared.
Coca-Cola joins a growing list of manufacturers investing in their own solar generation to reduce costs and lower carbon emissions. Companies such as Bio Food Products, TotalEnergies Kenya, Maisha Mabati Mills, Simba Cement, Unilever Tea Kenya, British American Tobacco, Africa Logistics Properties, Bidco Africa, Mabati Rolling Mills, Centum Real Estate and Devyani Food Industries have adopted similar strategies.
Industry analysts say the shift is driven by both economic and environmental considerations. Rising electricity tariffs have pushed firms to seek alternative energy sources, while sustainability goals are also shaping investment decisions.
As more companies adopt solar solutions, captive generation is expected to play a larger role in Kenya’s energy mix. The trend is likely to reduce reliance on the national grid while supporting the country’s transition toward cleaner energy sources.
