Daikins India Air Conditioning private limited’s entry into the market is also a strong pointer to projected growth in the real estate industry in general and especially commercial buildings.

Indian technology firm Daikin will initiate their energy efficient products in the Kenya market as prevailing peaceful conditions in the country continue to attract foreign investments.

 

The launch of Daikin’s products in Kenya comes at a time when the Kenyan government has pledged to renewable energy generation. 

This linked with the UNEP office in Nairobi feeds into Daikin’s main targets of energy efficiency and conservation.

 

Manoj Agarwal, Vice President, Exports at DIAPL says "Daikin Industries Ltd. has established a strong after sales service to guarantee customers of the quality that Daikin products have been known for, for almost a century. The entry of Daikin Industries Ltd. into the Kenyan market offers an opportunity for partnership that would see thousands of jobs and wealth created for those who would tap the opportunities along the value chain."

 

This is mainly defined by utmost weather patterns, blamed on climate change. Unlike in the past when hotels and some commercial buildings were the main customers for air conditioning products, there have been enormous growth in the sale of such products for use in residential homes as the Kenyan middle class seek to extend the facilities, they enjoy at their work place to their homes.

 

Daikin’s global policy also requires that the firm’s products are handled by partners “who act as our extended hands. In Kenya too, it is going to be the same. We intend to make our products available first in major towns such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and spread to other parts of Kenya,” he says. 

 

In addition, Kenyans are aware about energy conservation with most preferring products that are energy efficient, which is a basic aspect for Daikin products. This is backed by the new Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)’s regulations on energy conservation as well as the private sector’s standing on efficiency in electricity use.

 

“We feel that we have an opportunity to be part of this and to contribute to this positively, therefore we are here,” says the Vice President.

 

Agarwal says Daikin’s choice of Kenya as a gateway into East and Central Africa was informed by a growing middle class, quick and sustained economic growth in recent years as well as a huge population of the spending class.

 

He said, “thirty-four percent of the Kenyan population is between the age of 25 and 54, most of who have expendable income and are decision makers either at their homes or businesses, which Daikin is targeting our products.” 

 

Daikin products have been unofficially sold in Kenya over the last couple of months as the firm tested the tastes and preferences of the market.