Sun King Tatu City opening signals a bold leap for solar manufacturing across Africa, with the global energy firm unveiling its inaugural continent-wide facility in Kenya’s bustling Kiambu County.
This 7,600-square-metre powerhouse in Tatu City promises to churn out up to 700,000 solar-compatible units annually, starting with energy-smart televisions and smartphones that pair perfectly with off-grid power systems.
The launch, attended by top government brass and industry heavyweights, underscores Kenya’s rising star in green industrialisation, just as the nation pushes for sustainable growth under Vision 2030.
Sun King, a Nairobi-based powerhouse in solar solutions, has long been a lifeline for millions without reliable electricity. Founded over a decade ago, the company designs, finances, and deploys everything from home solar kits to efficient appliances, reaching one in five Kenyan households today.
With nearly 10,000 local jobs already under its belt, Sun King’s footprint spans the continent, delivering over 330,000 solar units monthly, a staggering jump from 10,000 back in 2017. Kenya alone sees 100,000 kits sold each month, fuelling small businesses and rural homes alike.
This new plant isn’t just bricks and assembly lines; it’s a game-changer—localizing production to slash costs and speed up delivery for everyday users craving clean, affordable power. Nestled in Tatu City’s innovative ecosystem, the facility merges manufacturing, refurbishment, and vast warehousing into one seamless operation.
Initial runs will focus on those solar-optimised TVs and phones, devices engineered to sip power rather than guzzle it, ensuring longer battery life in remote spots. But Sun King’s ambitions run deeper.
Executives hint at ramping up to new product lines, tapping Kenya’s skilled workforce to drive down prices and spark innovation. The setup allows for quicker tweaks based on customer feedback, a far cry from the delays of overseas shipping.
As one insider put it, the project is about building resilience, not just gadgets. The economic ripples are already making waves. By shifting production homeward, Sun King eyes displacing over 150 million dollars in African imports within five years, channelling that cash back into local economies.
Currently, 90 workers staff the plant, a mix of 60 per cent men and 40 per cent women, with projections to swell to 350 strong by decade’s end. To fuel that growth, partnerships with the National Industrial Training Authority and nearby universities will roll out apprenticeships, blending classroom theory with factory-floor grit.
High achievers could snag permanent spots, creating a pipeline of talent that bolsters Kenya’s manufacturing muscle. Government cheers echoed loud at the ribbon-cutting.
“This milestone is a symbol of growing confidence in Kenya’s local manufacturing,” he said, tying it straight to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda that prioritises jobs and homegrown value chains.
For Africa, the Sun King Tatu City opening flips the script on energy access. With blackouts plaguing vast swathes and climate goals looming, localised solar hubs like this could electrify off-grid communities faster than ever.
Nigeria’s up next on the docket for a sister site, hinting at a manufacturing wave that might just light up the Sahel to the Cape.
Sun King’s COO, Kota Kojima, captured the vibe: “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. For our customers, it means faster access to products and quality solutions made closer to home.”
Critics might nitpick the timeline, but early signs scream success. Local suppliers are lining up, from component fabricators to logistics pros, weaving a tighter web of intra-African trade.