Orb Energy, a leading provider of solar energy solutions in India and Africa, has partnered with Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM), the flagship company of the Safal Group and Kenya’s premier producer of high-quality steel roofing sheets and related products, to accelerate the country’s green transition through large-scale solar adoption. The collaboration underscores the vital role of solar power in helping energy-intensive industries reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring long-term energy security and cost competitiveness.
As part of this partnership, Orb Energy has successfully installed a 2.9 MW rooftop solar system at MRM’s state-of-the-art Mariakani facility. One of the largest rooftop solar installations in Kenya, the system will generate approximately 4,200+ MWh of clean electricity annually, reducing dependence on the national grid, cutting operational costs, delivering annual savings of $300,000, and avoiding nearly 3,800+ tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year. The project was financed in partnership with GridX Africa, enabling seamless execution and sustainable benefits for MRM.
The system was designed and engineered by Orb Energy’s expert team in India, with essential components supplied from India and the full implementation executed by Orb’s subsidiary company in Kenya. This approach demonstrates Orb’s ability to combine world-class Indian expertise with strong local execution capacity in Africa.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Damian Miller, CEO and Co-founder of Orb Energy, said, “This project with MRM is a milestone for Orb Energy in Kenya and a clear signal of how heavy industry can lead Africa’s green transition. By combining India’s engineering expertise with local execution, we are showing what’s possible at scale. As energy costs rise globally, solar is not just about sustainability — it’s about competitiveness. We look forward to replicating this success with more industrial partners across Africa.”
Albert Sigei, CEO of MRM, added, “This project reflects our long-term vision of embedding sustainability into our business model, underscoring our dedication to integrating sustainable practices into our core operations. It will directly support MRM’s sustainability and corporate responsibility goals by generating over 4,200 MWh of clean energy annually, avoiding more than 200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, and saving substantial electricity costs.”
Albert Sigei further added, “This project demonstrates MRM’s commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning operations with Kenya’s clean, reliable, and sustainable energy targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Beyond enhancing efficiency, we are also making a significant contribution to Kenya’s climate action efforts and setting a precedent for responsible manufacturing across Africa. This allows us to continue providing high-quality products to our customers, ensuring minimal environmental impact.”
