Manufacturers have called for accelerated adoption of clean technologies, affordable energy solutions, and stronger public-private collaboration to support industrial competitiveness amid rising fuel prices, energy costs, and ongoing global supply chain disruptions during the Clean Energy Conference & Expo held at the Sarit Expo Centre under the theme “Industrial Decarbonization Through Clean Technology Adoption.”
The conference, organized by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), also marked the official launch of the Industrial Clean Tech Platform (ICTP), an initiative aimed at supporting industries to access clean technologies, financing solutions, and technical expertise to accelerate Kenya’s transition toward sustainable and low-carbon manufacturing.
The discussions come at a time when manufacturers are
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry, Assistant Director of Industries Bernard Bosuben emphasized the importance of coordinated partnerships in driving industrial transformation and renewable energy industrialization.
“Achieving sustainable industrialization requires coordinated cooperation and consolidation from all partners, including government, industry, academia, researchers, and development partners. We must continue investing in green technologies while empowering young people to actively participate in green manufacturing,” explained Bosuben.
He applauded manufacturers for demonstrating that profitability and environmental sustainability can successfully go hand in hand, while reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships that support industrial growth and sustainability.
KAM Chief Executive Tobias Alando noted that industries across Kenya continue to face rising operational costs driven by increasing fuel and energy prices, making energy efficiency and clean technology adoption critical for industrial competitiveness and resilience.
“The recent shocks we are witnessing in global energy markets remind us that energy security can no longer be separated from industrial competitiveness. Manufacturers are operating in an increasingly unpredictable environment shaped by volatile fuel prices, climate-related disruptions,and supply chain uncertainties,” said Alando.
Alando further called for affordable green financing solutions, incentives for clean technology investments, risk-sharing financing mechanisms, and policies that support industrial sustainability investments.
“Industrial decarbonization must not only be viewed as an environmental agenda, but as a practical business strategy that can lower operational costs, strengthen resilience, create green jobs, and improve market competitiveness,” he stated.
Representing the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Ag. Director, Electricity & Renewable Energy EPRA – Engineer Boniface Kinyanjui observed that industrial decarbonization requires industries to move from traditional production systems toward cleaner technologies, smarter industrial processes, and sustainable energy solutions.
“We cannot talk about sustainability while ignoring the realities of global energy volatility. Fluctuations in international oil markets and foreign exchange pressures continue to directly impact fuel prices, operational costs, and ultimately the cost of goods to consumers,” said Engineer Kinyanjui.
He noted that over 80 percent of electricity generated in Kenya currently comes from renewable energy sources, with geothermal energy contributing approximately 40 percent of the country’s grid supply.
He added that solar systems contribute approximately 327 MW of captive generation capacity, while bioenergy contributes about 164 MW, highlighting Kenya’s growing potential for clean energy.
Engineer Kinyanjui further stated that companies undertaking energy audits have reported energy savings ranging between 20 and 30 percent through improved efficiency measures.
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“Industries are recordingsignificant savings through energy audits and energy management systems. This demonstrates that energy efficiency is not only good for the environment, but also makes strong business sense,” he stated.
He also highlighted government and industry initiatives supporting industrial sustainability, including Time of Use (ToU) tariffs, electric mobility tariffs, green hydrogen guidelines, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which are helping industries lower energy costs and improve energy reliability.
UNIDO Representative to Kenya and Head of Office & Representative to Kenya, Comoros, Eritrea, Seychelles and South Sudan, Tally Einav, noted that industries globally are increasingly being evaluated based on efficiency, sustainability, and resilience, making clean technology adoption critical for long-term industrial competitiveness.
“Competitiveness is no longer defined only by cost or scale, but increasingly by efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. When we look at Kenya’s tea sector as an example, energy accounts for between 25 and 35 percent of production costs, while the sector consumes approximately 1.3 million tonnes of fuelwood annually, reinforcing the urgent need for industries to adopt cleaner and more energy-efficient technologies.”
She added that the Industrial Clean Tech Platform will help manufacturers identify clean technologies, connect with technology providers and financing institutions, and access practical solutions that lower operational costs, improve industrial efficiency, and support sustainable growth.
The conference brought together stakeholders from government, industry, development organizations, financial institutions, academia, and technology providers to explore practical clean energy and industrial sustainability solutions that support Kenya’s long-term industrial competitiveness and green growth agenda.
The engagements will continue with the Loop Forum Kenya taking place on Thursday, 21st May 2026, which will focus on advancing circular economy solutions, sustainable resource use, and waste-to-value opportunities for industries. The two-day activities will culminate in the Energy Management Awards (EMA) on Friday, 22nd May 2026, where manufacturers and institutions implementing outstanding energy efficiency, sustainability, and clean production initiatives will be recognized.
Through the Expo, Loop Forum, and EMA, manufacturers continue to demonstrate growing commitment towards resource efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and cleaner production systems as they position themselves for a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable industrial future.
