RUBiSOL has successfully commissioned a 485kWp rooftop solar power plant at B. Braun Pharmaceuticals in Athi River, Machakos County. This state-of-the-art renewable energy installation marks a significant leap forward in the journey toward sustainable, cost-efficient, and climate-conscious industrial operations in Kenya.
Commissioned at the end of March 2025, the solar system features 1,102 high-performance 440W modules and an advanced inverter setup—two 100kW, two 50kW, and two 33kW inverters—to ensure optimal power conversion and reliability. The solar plant is expected to generate substantial financial and environmental returns, with estimated lifetime savings of over USD 393,000 and an offset of approximately 3,996 tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the duration of the project.
“This project is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and energy independence,” said Rodgers Oloo, Project Engineer, B. Braun Pharmaceuticals
Kenya is at a critical juncture in its energy transition journey. Despite a significant portion of the population having access to electricity—currently over 75%—challenges remain around energy reliability, affordability, and access, especially for industries outside the national grid’s reach. The country continues to rely on a mix of hydropower, geothermal, wind, and increasingly, solar energy, which has emerged as a key pillar in achieving Vision 2030, Kenya’s long-term development blueprint.
According to the Ministry of Energy, the demand for electricity in Kenya is rising at an annual rate of over 5%, driven by industrial growth and urbanization. Solar, being abundant and scalable, presents a compelling solution to bridge the energy supply-demand gap without contributing to carbon emissions or increasing fuel imports.
Renewable energy is no longer a luxury; it’s an economic imperative. Industrial players like B. Braun are demonstrating that investing in clean energy solutions is not only good for the planet but also for profitability and operational resilience.
At the heart of this success story is RUBiSOL, a joint venture forged to meet the growing demand for decentralised energy solutions in East Africa. By combining Solarise Africa’s financial innovation and project expertise with RUBiS Energy Kenya’s market presence and technical know-how, RUBiSOL provides tailored solar systems for commercial and industrial (C&I) clients, complete with flexible financing models.
“Projects like this demonstrate the real potential of renewable energy in transforming industries,” said Jan Albert Valk, Co-Founder and CEO, Solarise Africa
The RUBiSOL model is uniquely suited to the Kenyan market, where capital-intensive energy infrastructure can be a barrier for businesses. Through lease-to-own and pay-as-you-go schemes, RUBiSOL enables companies to adopt solar energy without heavy upfront investments, making clean energy accessible and financially viable.
For B. Braun Pharmaceuticals, a global healthcare leader with operations in over 60 countries, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s embedded in their corporate DNA. The company’s Athi River facility serves as a manufacturing and distribution hub for life-saving medical products in East Africa. By choosing to go solar, B. Braun is ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical operations while aligning with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
“Partnering with B. Braun on this initiative is an honour,” commented Olivier Sabrié, CEO, RUBiS Energie East Africa
This project aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Goal 13: Climate Action.
Kenya’s manufacturing sector faces frequent power outages and high energy costs, which can account for up to 30% of operational expenditure. Solar energy provides a solution that is not only reliable and scalable but also resilient to inflationary pressures tied to global fossil fuel prices.
Solar Energy is ideal for industry players due to its advantages, including; Cost Savings – Reduced electricity bills and predictable energy costs; Energy Independence – Reduced reliance on the national grid or diesel generators; Environmental Stewardship – Lower carbon footprint and compliance with ESG frameworks.
Kenya has made impressive strides in renewable energy, with over 80% of the electricity mix already coming from renewables. However, the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector remains largely untapped when it comes to decentralized solar. As more companies like B. Braun invest in clean energy, the country moves closer to achieving reduced importation of fossil fuels, enhancing foreign exchange stability and improving energy access in off-grid areas opf the country.
An Energy Solution For B Braun Pharmaceuticals
The successful commissioning of the 485kWp solar rooftop system by RUBiSOL for B. Braun Pharmaceuticals is more than just a milestone—it is a blueprint for industrial transformation in Kenya. It exemplifies how public-private collaboration, financial innovation, and technological advancement can work hand-in-hand to create a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.
As Kenya seeks to become a middle-income, industrializing nation, investments in clean energy like this one will be key to unlocking economic growth, climate resilience, and energy security for generations to come.
RUBiSOL is a joint venture between Solarise Africa and RUBiS Energy Kenya, dedicated to delivering decentralised renewable energy solutions across East Africa. RUBiSOL enables businesses to reduce operational costs and carbon emissions by providing tailored solar systems with innovative, flexible financing.
Braun Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in healthcare, committed to improving health outcomes through innovation, high-quality manufacturing, and sustainability. With operations in Kenya and across East Africa, B. Braun integrates responsible environmental practices into every aspect of its operations.
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