In a major step toward industrial decarbonization, Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy Kenya signed an agreement in Nairobi on May 12, 2026, to develop a proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refinery. The project, with an estimated investment value between US$70.5 million and US$82.2 million, targets carbon emissions in an industry where reducing environmental impacts has historically proven difficult.
Once operational, the facility is expected to produce around 32,000 tonnes of SAF annually. The refining process will rely on locally available waste oils and animal fats as feedstock, providing a lower-emission alternative to conventional jet fuels.
The partnership comes as Kenyan enterprises increasingly look to address rising climate risks by embedding environmental sustainability into their commercial operations. As heavy industries and transport sectors encounter pressure to lower carbon output, major market players are turning to local supply chains and waste resources to power cleaner operations.
Despite growing private sector engagement in environmental initiatives, corporate sustainability efforts in the region continue to encounter operational and market challenges. Highlight-ing these market frictions, Kenyan clean cooking startup KOKO recently shut down operations following a dispute related to carbon credits.
Addressing the broader regional outlook on August 13, 2026, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Festus Ng’eno stressed that African countries must move beyond high-level policy discussions. Dr. Ng’eno called for converting green commitments into direct investments, effective policies, and actionable solutions that strengthen economic resilience while balancing environmental goals with economic development.
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