This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
Published on June 26, 2020, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have disrupted businesses in Kenya, with many companies struggling to cope with the deadly disease that has killed over 400,000 people globally.
One of the major reasons for the closure of many processing companies in Kenya is the high cost of energy, low production from factories, and lack of markets.
However, two companies in Kenya have found a reason to continue with their production after a leading clean solar power provider, German-based REDAVIA, partnered with two local firms to cushion them against the effects of Covid-19.
REDAVIA has signed Covid-19 Resilience Leases with Wonder Feeds Limited, a leading Nakuru-based animal feeds manufacturer, and Siginon Aviation, a logistics company, offering them six months of free solar power to withstand the Covid-19 crisis.
“I’m happy with this collaboration with Redavia as it will save us millions of shillings in energy bills. We shall have a steady production as we have a reliable power back up,” said Mr Abdul Parkar, the Managing Director of Wonder Feeds.
Mr Parkar revealed that the installation will help the company save on power bills and reduce overhead costs, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis.
According to Mr Parkar, the company management maintained product prices for customers despite the increase of raw material costs, leaving the company with higher operating expenses.
“Our customers are our kings and we have made these strides in the business because of them and that is why I am so happy and willing to extend the same benefits I am getting from Redavia to our customers by maintaining affordable prices of our feed products,” said Mr Parkar.
Mr Edwin Ronoh, Siginon Group Finance Leader, said that the partnership with REDAVIA supports their environmental conservation policy, which is one of their key business objectives.
“Our partnership with REDAVIA comes at a time when the green agenda is our key business objective. Siginon Aviation continues to embrace business solutions that ensure environmental conservation, and REDAVIA’s solar power solution gives us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment as a strong believer in environmental conservation,” added Mr Ronoh.
