K-Elec Kenya Opens Electronics Assembly Plant in Syokimau, Boosting Local Manufacturing

The Syokimau plant is also expected to stimulate further employment opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, quality control, logistics, and after-sales service. To support this, K-Elec plans to roll out skills development programs that will enable Kenyan technicians to receive specialized training from Korean engineers in cutting-edge assembly technologies.

By shifting production closer to consumers, the company anticipates significant reductions in shipping costs and delivery times. These savings are expected to translate directly into more affordable premium electronics for Kenyan households, without compromising on the high standards associated with Korean manufacturing.

K-Elec’s investment also strengthens economic ties between Kenya and South Korea, particularly in technology, innovation, and industrial development. With local assembly now underway, the company is exploring opportunities to introduce additional product lines and smart-home technologies to the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui emphasized the urgent need to strengthen local industries to address unemployment and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

He highlighted the role of family-owned businesses in sustaining industrial growth and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate. He further noted that Kenya’s electronics market remains below one percent, and although access to capital is a major challenge, the government has been collaborating with the Central Bank to reduce lending rates from 18 percent to approximately 12–13 percent.

Turning to the automotive sector, the CS pointed out that Kenya continues to rely heavily on imported used cars, which account for about 80 percent of the market, despite the country’s capacity to manufacture many vehicle components locally.