17 December 2025
Kenya has taken a significant stride towards establishing itself in the rapidly expanding $800 billion global devices market with the unveiling of K-Elec, a major new player in its manufacturing sector.
The entry of the South Korean electronics giant signals growing investor confidence and represents a decisive move by East Africa to develop a modern electronics-assembly industry capable of supplying affordable home and industrial technology devices across the continent.
During the official opening of the K-Elec Kenya Factory and Brand Launch, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Economy, stated that the investment would bolster Kenya’s position in the global multi-billion dollar electronics market. He highlighted that the new facility enhances the country’s capacity to produce devices at scale and fosters the development of advanced technical skills. Kenya’s device-assembly ecosystem is now rapidly expanding, with the capacity to manufacture over 8 million smartphones annually.
K-Elec, a South Korean company with international operations spanning the Middle East and Africa, brings decades of manufacturing expertise. The company produces a range of home appliances including refrigerators, televisions, and a growing line of beauty-tech products. With regional operations in more than 15 countries, including Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Djibouti, Senegal, and Angola, K-Elec’s Dubai headquarters supports distribution across Africa, with Kenya serving as its East African hub.
The new factory, situated at Sarin EPZ in Syokimau, will assemble the first locally-made K-Elec refrigerators and TVs under the Kenyan brand.
“We welcome K-Elec, a Korean technology company, which has officially launched the first made-in-Kenya TVs and fridges — a proud moment for our nation,” said Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Lee Kinyanjui.
Kinyanjui emphasized that the partnership between K-Elec’s leadership and East African investors underscores Kenya’s status as an attractive investment destination. The investment is expected to create jobs, facilitate technology transfer, and boost local industrial value addition. The entry of advanced Korean technology and skills-transfer programs further strengthens Kenya’s developing devices-assembly ecosystem, supported by pioneers such as East Africa Device Assembly Kenya.
He stressed that this investment aligns with Kenya’s “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” agenda, aiming to develop local value chains, reduce reliance on imports, and position the country as a competitive producer rather than merely a consumer of electronic devices.
