From rural health clinics to hyperscale data centres, Schneider Electric’s journey in Kenya is more than a corporate milestone – it is a testament to how smart energy, local skills, and bold partnerships can illuminate a nation’s path to a greener, more inclusive future.
By Ethical Business Reporter | June 2025
Nairobi, Kenya – In a celebratory event at Nairobi’s JW Marriott, global energy management leader Schneider Electric marked its 10th year of operations in Kenya, not just with corporate fanfare, but with a powerful message: the energy future must be sustainable, inclusive, and locally grounded.
“This milestone isn’t just about the past,” said Ifeanyi Odoh, Schneider Electric’s Country President for East Africa. “It’s about our long-term promise to the people of Kenya – a promise of innovation, inclusion, and investment in the energy systems that power everyday life.”
The event comes at a pivotal time. Kenya, under its Vision 2030 framework, is pushing for universal energy access, industrial growth, and a strong digital economy. As one of the key private sector players aligning with these goals, Schneider Electric’s decade-long journey in Kenya has quietly transformed lives – from powering rural clinics to training the country’s next generation of electrical technicians.
From grid to green: Community-driven energy access
Since entering the Kenyan market in 2014, Schneider Electric has expanded its impact from industrial zones to underserved counties. In Kisii County, the company implemented off-grid microgrids to electrify rural health centers such as Matongo and Nyagoto Dispensaries—where maternal care was previously dependent on unreliable or nonexistent power.
According to company data presented at the event, the microgrid systems contributed to an 83% reduction in maternal mortality rates, demonstrating the critical link between reliable energy and healthcare outcomes. These installations use the company’s EcoStruxure™ platform, a modular smart system that integrates renewable energy, automation, and real-time data to manage power efficiently (Source: Schneider Electric).
This work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all, where Kenya still faces gaps, especially in rural and informal settlements.
Building Locally: Made in Kenya, Built for Kenya
Schneider Electric has also leaned into local manufacturing, supporting the assembly of industrial switchboards like BlokSeT and Prisma within Kenya. These switchboards are vital components in managing electricity in hospitals, data centers, and commercial buildings.
By localising production, the company is directly supporting the government’s “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative, which promotes local industry and job creation, according to the Government of Kenya, Industrialisation Policy, 2022.
“Instead of importing all components, we’re building capacity and trust within Kenya’s industrial base,” Odoh said. “It’s about creating systems by Kenyans, for Kenyans.”
Skills for the energy transition
One of the standout features of Schneider Electric’s work in the region has been technical education. As part of its global ambition to train 1 million energy professionals by 2025, the company is partnering with 32 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across East Africa.
According to Schneider Electric Foundation, by the end of 2025, the programme aims to train over 25,000 students in energy automation, domestic and industrial wiring, and programmable logic controller (PLC) programming—preparing graduates for real-world industry demands.
At the core of this initiative is the Franco-Kenyan Centre of Excellence at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute in Nairobi. Developed with Kenya’s State Department for TVET, the French Ministry of National Education and Youth, and the Schneider Electric Foundation, the center features world-class labs for electrical engineering and automation.
The investment reflects growing recognition of the role TVET education plays in equipping youth for Africa’s green transition. According to UNESCO’s TVET Strategy (2022–2029), technical education is essential to powering the global shift toward sustainable industrialization.
Supporting Kenya’s digital economy
Schneider Electric is also shaping the infrastructure behind Kenya’s digital transformation.
In a groundbreaking partnership with IXAfrica, Schneider helped deliver NBOX1, East Africa’s first hyperscale data centre – located in Nairobi. The Tier 3+ facility runs on Schneider Electric’s data center architecture and offers 99.999% uptime, enabling AI workloads, cloud storage, and mission-critical financial and government services (Source: IXAfrica).
The project supports Kenya’s Digital Economy Blueprint, which envisions a fully digitized nation built on secure, efficient digital infrastructure. According to the Ministry of ICT, Kenya aims to become a regional digital hub by 2030, positioning projects like NBOX1 at the core of this vision.
“Kenya isn’t just participating in Africa’s digital future – it’s defining it,” said Odoh. “And we’re here to ensure that future is not only connected – but climate-smart.”
An inclusive, low-carbon tomorrow
As Kenya continues its push for universal energy access, renewable investment, and youth employability, Schneider Electric plans to stay the course – committing to deeper local partnerships and innovation.
Future plans include expanding EcoStruxure™ for Industry, supporting Kenyan manufacturers to reduce energy waste and automate operations while remaining globally competitive.
“The next 10 years are not just about powering growth – they’re about powering it responsibly,” Odoh concluded.
