Mombasa Cement Ltd, Athi River Plant crowned overall winner at the 2026 Energy Management Awards
Kenyan manufacturers and businesses demonstrating excellence in sustainability, energy efficiency and green industrialization were celebrated at the 2026 Energy Management Awards (EMA), with Mombasa Cement Ltd Athi River Plant emerging as the Overall Winner in a competition that highlighted the growing shift by industry toward cleaner and more efficient production systems.
The awards, organized by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), brought together manufacturers, regulators, development partners and policymakers to recognize firms adopting sustainable manufacturing practices, renewable energy technologies and operational efficiencies aimed at reducing costs and environmental impact.
Kenya Breweries Ltd Nairobi was named runner-up in the Overall Energy Management Award category during the 22nd edition of the awards held under the theme “From Efficiency to Net Zero: Recognizing Excellence in Sustainable Manufacturing in Kenya.”
The recognition comes at a time when manufacturers are under increasing pressure from rising electricity costs, global climate commitments and evolving export market standards that increasingly require industries to demonstrate compliance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) benchmarks.
Speaking during the gala dinner on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Renewable Energy Secretary Dr. Eng. Isaac Kiva said Kenya had made significant strides in expanding access to reliable and sustainable energy.
He said electricity connections had increased from 8.8 million households in 2022 to 10.34 million currently, supported by an additional 149.6 megawatts generated 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.
He noted that energy efficiency remained central to Kenya’s industrialization agenda and climate commitments, adding that firms needed to move beyond compliance and embed sustainability into their long-term operational culture.
Representing the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Acting Director for Electricity and Renewable Energy Engineer Boniface Kinyanjui said the regulator continued to support industries through policy frameworks encouraging 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 Engineer 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, resulting in an estimated Sh340 million in cost reductions.
KAM Chief Executive Tobias Alando said manufacturers were increasingly embracing sustainability as a strategic business imperative rather than a regulatory obligation.
“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 Mr. Alando.
He noted that the awards had cumulatively recognized more than 550 organizations that had collectively achieved energy savings exceeding Sh15 billion.
This year’s edition attracted participation from 69 companies across sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, financial services and clean energy.
Among notable winners, Jubilee Insurance Headquarters won the Green Building Award while Burn Manufacturing Ltd received the Best Institutional Clean Cooking Technology Provider Award.
Pwani Oil Products Ltd secured the Water Efficiency Award as Spin Knit Ltd won the Best in Textile and Apparel Sector Award.
British American Tobacco Kenya Plc, Sasini PLC and Unga Farmcare (EA) Ltd were also among firms recognized for excellence in renewable energy adoption, process optimization and sustainable manufacturing practices.
The awards reflected the increasing role of private sector investment in supporting Kenya’s transition toward a low-carbon economy amid growing demand for climate-resilient and resource-efficient industrial production.
