Chinese firm sets up first transformer manufacturing plant in Nairobi

Last Updated 10 years ago by Kenya Engineer

A Chinese company, Yocean Group Transformer Factory has opened the first transformer manufacturing plant to be located along Mombasa Road. Yocean Transformer Factory is owned by Yocean (Group) Limited, a Chinese Company based in Kenya.

The occasion was attended by Energy and Petroleum CS, Charles Keter who officially opened the factory at the compound’s plant. He said the establishment of the factory to manufacture and assemble transformers will reduce high import bill and stimulate economic growth in Kenya.

“The opening of the first factory for manufacturing transformers in the Kenyan market is a milestone. It will end importation of electrical equipment that in some way slowed down power connection in the country,” Keter stated.

Kenya majorly relies on importing transformers from outside, mostly countries like India. To this extent, the plant will ease cost of procuring transformers and other electrical appliances.He added that the Chinese investment in Kenya’s transport and energy sectors has accelerated the country’s industrialization.The CS also said the Kenyan government had created a friendly policy to attract foreign investment in the energy sector.

Speaking at the event, Guo Ce, the economic and trade counselor at the Chinese embassy in Kenya, said that China has been encouraging its companies to invest in the East African nation.

He said the establishment of a local transformer-manufacturing plant will rejuvenate Kenya’s quest for energy security and socio-economic transformation.

“The factory will not only be providing quality products and services to its clients, but also create jobs for the youth while enhancing skills and technology transfer for local employees,” Guo said. Kenya’s power utility has already awarded a three-year contract to Yocean Group to distribute transformers in the country.

Dylan Yu, CEO of Yocean Group, said his firm has the capacity to manufacture made-in-Kenya transformers of international standards. He added Yocean will in the near future expand its footprint in the regional market.