Haier Announces Plans for Factory in Kenya During Dealers Summit in Nairobi

During Haier Dealers Summit in Nairobi in May 2025, Leon Liu, East Africa Regional Manager for Haier (SHSE: 600690); HKSE: 6690), shared the company’s strategy for Africa and announced plans for a local factory in Kenya. The manufacturing facility is expected to be operational as early as 2026, marking a milestone in Haier’s overseas expansion strategy, while giving back more to the local economy.

Initially, the factory in Kenya will produce televisions, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, water heaters, and ovens. The introduction of Haier green freezers and washing machines received a positive response thanks to improved energy efficiency and lower running costs.

“Kenya is a very important market for us. It’s a gateway to East Africa, and we are committed to investing in this market, not just with our products but also with local operations. Even though we came into the market later than others, we are not too late. We are focused on catching up and serving consumers with sincerity, strong technology, and durable products.”

Haier East Africa Regional Manager Leon Liu

The top selling products in Kenya are TV, refrigerators, freezers and washing machines. Interestingly, the sale for air conditioners or electric fans in Nairobi is slow due to the cool climate, but these climate control appliances certainly have a market in hotter regions.

The localization of manufacturing in Kenya reflects Haier’s strong confidence in the region economic potential and is in response to calls for higher Local Value Addition (#LVA) by African governments in order to create jobs and foster socio-economic progress for the local communities.