Nairobi — Kapchorua Tea Kenya is planning to build a 1.17-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Nandi County as tea manufacturers increasingly turn to renewable energy to cut electricity costs and improve energy reliability.

The proposed solar plant will be constructed at Kapchorua Farm and will supply electricity to the company's black tea processing factory.

The project, which is being developed by Ariya Energy Limited, is awaiting an electricity generation licence from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

Already, EPRA has invited members of the public to submit comments or objections to the application by September 1, 2026, before making a decision on whether to approve the project.

If licensed, the solar plant will allow the tea processor to generate part of its electricity on-site, reducing its dependence on the national grid and lowering energy costs.

The project reflects a growing trend among Kenyan manufacturers investing in captive renewable energy as they seek to manage rising operating costs and secure a more reliable power supply.

Private sector investment in solar projects has increased in recent years, with companies using renewable energy to reduce electricity bills, improve operational efficiency and meet sustainability targets.