Listed food processing firm Unga Group Limited (NSE: UNGA) is completing a Kshs 300 million solar power generation project at its five Nairobi (2), Nakuru (2) and Eldoret manufacturing sites as part of its sustainability endeavours.
Speaking ahead of the Africa Climate Summit 2023 that kicks off in Nairobi next week, Unga Group Managing Director Joseph Choge said the firm has adopted solar power solutions as a part of an agenda to advance green growth.
Unga Group, Choge said, continues to embed climate action and sustainability as a crucial part of its business strategy and is, among other things, investing heavily in green projects, including the solar energy project, as a way of diversifying our energy sources and avoiding overreliance on the national grid.
This solar initiative, he confirmed, is part of Unga’s innovative energy program, which aims to increase the company’s uptake of solar energy by diversifying the energy sources, boosting efficiency, and reducing operational costs.
He added that adopting solar power units will help the total food company slash its power costs by more than 27%, occasioning more than Kshs 80 million annual savings. Further, by adopting solar power solutions, Unga Group is now on course to reduce its reliance on the national power grid and reduce its carbon footprint by 2,454 tons of CO2/year.
“At Unga Group, we are deliberately pursuing a green growth agenda by adopting environmentally friendly solutions in all our operating touchpoints. The initial investment is undoubtedly heavy, but we remain focused that the returns will be attractive in the fulness of time as we continue to prioritise climate action as one of our operating pillars,” Choge said.
He added, “The solar installation at our five manufacturing sites underscores the Unga Group’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing eco-friendly production.”
He said that by solarising the manufacturing sites, we will utilise clean and renewable energy for our operations and reduce our carbon footprint. We are diligently pursuing an expansive solar energy project to diversify our energy portfolio, mitigate reliance on the national grid, and enhance energy resilience.
The effort to solarise the manufacturing sites is part of Unga Group’s transformative journey towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Besides installing solar PV panels, Unga Group also has other environmental sustainability efforts in place, which it is currently intensifying, including using energy-efficient bulbs and lights across all sites and installing low-energy LED lights with motion sensors to ensure that lights are on only when required.
Unga Group’s commitment to sustainability aligns with its mission to create lasting value for stakeholders, customers, and the environment. By implementing these solar energy projects, the company aims to set a precedent for responsible business practices and inspire other manufacturers to take similar steps towards a more sustainable future.
In addition to installing Solar units at Unga’s facilities, the group is implementing broader energy reduction initiatives through its Continual Improvement Program, eliminating waste, improving efficiency and supporting reliability through robust preventative maintenance. Last year, Unga Group emerged as the overall winner at the Energy Management Awards (EMA) 2022, organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in the Electricity Medium Voltage Savings category and also picked the first Runners Up award in the Overall Energy Management category. This attests to the Group’s culture towards responsibly managing resources and positively impacting the environment.
![Canon’s RF/EF lens production exceeds 170 million units, extending its world record in interchangeable lens production Both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume Canon Inc. announced that, in October 2025, Canon reached a historic milestone of producing a cumulative total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced. The EF lens was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens system for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex film camera, debuting simultaneously with the EOS system itself. Since their inception, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a series of world-first technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, and have undergone numerous evolutions. In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series, designed for the EOS R mirrorless camera system, which features a large aperture, short back focus, and high-speed communication system to deliver even higher image quality. The RF and EF lens series lineup now includes a total of 108 models , covering a wide range of focal lengths from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series also includes the world’s first VR lens lenses with built-in power zoom suited for video shooting, and even those compatible with power zoom adapters—expanding the scope of creative expression and meeting the diverse needs of users for both still photography and video. EF lens production began at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume. Today, Canon manufactures lenses at five sites: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc. Milestones include 10 million units produced by 1995 and 50 million by 2009. Then in 2014, Canon became the first company in the world to reach 100 million interchangeable camera lenses produced. In October 2025, the company reached 170 million units, leading to the achievement of this world record. The 170 millionth lens produced was the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. Canon has maintained the No.1 global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Moving forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies and further strengthen and expand its lens lineup, pioneering new imaging possibilities and contributing to the continued evolution of photographic and video culture. Highlights in the development of the RF/EF Lens Series The EF lens, which was introduced alongside EOS in March 1987, has adopted a variety of world-first technologies, including Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, featured in the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995; a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, used in the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001; and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) [7], applied to the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008. In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system consisting of a mirrorless camera [8], dedicated lens, and PC software, thereby creating a 3D 180° VR video through an interchangeable lens camera. In 2024, Canon began rolling out a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings, designed to meet the needs of both still photography and professional video production. For zoom lenses, the company has also launched RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For single focus lenses, the company released F1.4 L hybrid prime lens series that unified the size and ring and button position across models. In September 2025, Canon launched RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this series, demonstrating that it can meet demands in line with the changing times. [1] Includes EF, EF-S, EF-M, EF Cinema, RF, RF-S, and RF Cinema lenses and extenders. As of October 21, 2025 (according to a survey by Canon) [2] Among SLR cameras (according to a survey by Canon) [3] Number of products sold as of October 22, 2025 (including extenders). The number of lens models for sale is different according to market figures. [4] Focal length is 5.2mm to 1200mm when including VR lenses [5] An interchangeable digital camera lens that enables VR footage with a single camera. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras released as of October 5, 2021 (according to a survey by Canon) [6] Refers to unit share (according to a survey by Canon) [7] A special coating with advanced anti-reflective properties [8] For applicable cameras, please visit the official Canon website *Release dates in this document refer to dates in Japan. Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1.-Canon-EOS-R50-Mirrorless-Camera-for-Beginners-1024x764-1-100x70.jpg "Canon makes history with 170 Million lenses milestone")
