Mombasa Cement Athi River Plant has emerged as the Overall Winner at the 2026 Energy Management Awards (EMA), cementing its position as one of Kenya’s leading industrial players in energy efficiency and sustainable manufacturing.
The annual awards, organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, celebrated organizations championing energy conservation, renewable energy adoption, and green industrial practices as Kenya accelerates its transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Held under the theme “From Efficiency to Net Zero: Recognizing Excellence in Sustainable Manufacturing in Kenya,” the 22nd edition of the awards brought together manufacturers, policymakers, development partners and sustainability experts to recognize industries making significant strides in operational efficiency and climate-conscious growth.
Kenya Breweries emerged as the runner-up in the Overall Energy Management Award category, reflecting growing competition among Kenyan manufacturers to adopt cleaner and more efficient production systems.
Speaking during the gala dinner on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Dr. Eng. Isaac Kiva, Secretary for Renewable Energy, said Kenya continues to make major progress in expanding access to sustainable energy and modernizing industrial energy systems.
He noted that electricity connections have increased from 8.8 million households in 2022 to 10.34 million households currently, while the country has added 149.6 megawatts from geothermal, solar and small hydropower projects.
“As we look into the future, the next frontier of energy management will increasingly be data-driven, digital, intelligent, and integrated. Smart metering systems, AI-enabled energy analytics, automated controls and advanced building management technologies will define the future of sustainable industrial growth,” said Engineer Kiva.
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He emphasized that energy efficiency should not be treated as a one-time compliance exercise, but rather as a continuous culture driven by leadership, innovation, and regular performance benchmarking.
Representing the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Acting Director for Electricity and Renewable Energy Engineer Boniface Kinyanjui reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to supporting industries through progressive policies that promote energy conservation and renewable energy uptake.
“To breathe life into this mandate, EPRA continues to implement and enforce key policy and regulatory instruments, including the Energy (Energy Management) Regulations, 2025, which require designated facilities to undertake periodic energy audits, appoint licensed Energy Managers and implement energy conservation measures,” said Kinyanjui.
According to the 2026 EMA assessment, participating companies collectively achieved 118,904 gigajoules of thermal savings and 6,203 megawatt-hours of electricity savings, translating into approximately Sh340 million in cost savings.
Kenya Association of Manufacturers Chief Executive Tobias Alando said industries across Kenya are increasingly facing pressure from rising energy costs, climate risks and evolving global sustainability standards, making green manufacturing essential for competitiveness and resilience.
“Over the last 22 years, the Energy Management Awards have grown into one of Kenya’s most impactful platforms for promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, sustainability, climate action and industrial competitiveness,” said Alando.
He added that EMA has cumulatively recognized more than 550 organizations, which together have achieved energy savings exceeding Sh15 billion. This year’s edition attracted 69 participating companies.
Several organizations were also recognized across categories, including renewable energy, innovation, water efficiency, digitalization and clean cooking technologies.
Among the notable winners, Kenya Breweries Nairobi won the Innovation Award and the Thermal Savings Award for Band I Energy Consumers, while British American Tobacco Kenya Plc Nairobi won the Water Efficiency Award. Sasini PLC Kipkebe Factory dominated the tea sector awards, winning both the Best in Tea Sector Award and Thermal Savings Award for Band II consumers.
In the service sector category, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa was recognized for excellence in sustainable operations, while Spin Knit Ltd won the Best in Textile and Apparel Sector Award.
The awards highlighted the growing momentum among Kenyan industries to embrace sustainability as both a climate responsibility and a business strategy amid the global shift toward green industrialization.
