THE Coca-Cola system, comprising The Coca-Cola Company and its authorised bottler Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), has announced plans to invest up to $175 million in Kenya over the next five years, contingent on achieving its projected growth targets in the country.
Sunil Gupta, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, made the announcement during a visit by Kenyan President William Ruto to The Coca-Cola Company’s headquarters in Atlanta. ‘The Coca-Cola system has been an integral part of Kenya’s landscape for more than 75 years. Today, we are excited to announce our intention to strengthen this legacy through a substantial investment,’ Gupta said.
‘This investment is aimed at accelerating the Coca-Cola system’s capacity and capability expansion over the next five years. Our decision to invest underscores our belief in the long-term potential of Kenya’s economy,’ Gupta added.
Luisa Ortega, President of The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa Operating Unit, highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Kenyan government to ensure a stable policy environment. ‘The Coca-Cola system has been part of communities in Kenya for more than seven decades. We are excited to continue growing our business and supporting communities across Kenya for many years to come,’ said Ortega.
The Coca-Cola system is a significant employer in the East Africa region, directly employing 10,000 people and working with over 500,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. This extensive network connects Coca-Cola directly with many businesses in Kenya and the broader East African region.
‘Our value chain supports livelihoods for over a million people in distribution, sales, and other roles,’ Gupta noted. ‘We source close to 8,000 metric tons of mango puree from East African farmers. We believe in the region’s potential and its ability to achieve significant growth through collaboration between public and private sectors. Our business in Kenya is centred on a local approach – we hire locally, produce locally, distribute locally, and source locally.’
Ortega expressed optimism about Kenya’s future, emphasising Coca-Cola’s commitment to social and economic advancement. ‘We foresee great social and economic advancement, and this is why we continue to invest in our Kenyan business as well as community programs that help strengthen Kenya’s prosperity,’ she concluded.
The investment plan reflects Coca-Cola’s long-standing commitment to Kenya and its confidence in the country’s potential for growth and development.
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