CHINT Global has officially launched a smart meter manufacturing facility at Graylands Industrial Park in Athi River, Machakos, Kenya, marking its expansion to the East African market.
This Kenyan plant is the CHINT Group’s 10th international production facility and the second CHINT Meters plant in Africa. The factory specializes in manufacturing advanced smart meters, such as the CHD130 Single Phase DIN-Rail Meter, CHS120 Single Phase Smart Meter, and CHS320 Three Phase Smart Meter.
These devices feature sophisticated anti-tamper technology, flexible installation options, and secure communication systems, catering to both residential and commercial customers.
The factory is currently employing 40 workers, 90% of whom are local, and aims to achieve a 30%-40% localization rate in its products, with plans to increase this as operations expand.
“Today marks a significant step forward in CHINT’s global strategy and our commitment to East Africa. Our new factory in Kenya is not just a manufacturing site; it is a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and economic growth for the region. We are confident that this facility will become a shining star among our global factories, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and electrified future for East Africa.” stated Lily Zhang, President of CHINT Global.
The grand opening featured several notable figures, including Joy Brenda Masinde, Chairman of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC); Mr. Gu Zhangping, CEO of CHINT Meter Company; and Mr. Thomas Cheng, Vice President of CHINT Global and General Manager for East & South Africa.
Ms. Amy Fan, General Manager for East and South Africa, CHINT Global; Ms. Esther Ngari, Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS); and the Chief Guest, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry were also present.
In his speech, Chief Guest Dr. Juma Mukhwana praised CHINT’s investment in Kenya. “The Kenyan government has introduced various incentives to attract investors, including EPZ and SEZA. CHINT’s presence here will significantly address the challenges we’ve faced in industrialization, especially in terms of supplying large amounts of power while lacking necessary factories. CHINT’s investment is a welcome addition that will support our industrialization agenda.”
Joy Brenda Masinde, Chairman of KPLC, also highlighted the transformative impact of CHINT’s smart meters on Kenya’s energy sector. “The introduction of CHINT’s advanced metering solutions is a game-changer for KPLC. These meters will enable us to provide our customers with accurate billing, reduce losses, and improve the overall efficiency of our energy distribution. This is not just an investment in technology; it’s an investment in Kenya’s future.”
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CHINT’s new factory is more than just a production facility; it represents a major shift in Kenya’s energy landscape. With a production capacity of up to 400,000 meters annually and an efficient assembly process, this facility is poised to make a significant impact on the region’s energy sector.
The smart meters produced here will additionally empower consumers with real-time data on their energy consumption, allowing them to make informed decisions that can lead to significant cost savings.
Furthermore, by integrating with the national power grid, these meters will bolster the reliability of the energy infrastructure, reducing the frequency of blackouts and ensuring a consistent supply of electricity to both residential and commercial users.
Covering an area of 4,000 square meters, the factory is primarily focused on serving the Kenyan market but is also positioned to supply products to the wider East African Community. This includes countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Congo (DRC), and Somalia.
This expansion is part of CHINT’s broader vision to establish itself as a leading power solutions provider in the region, with an ambitious goal to secure a top-three market position within three years and to reach the top spot within five years.
