The partnership reflects the role local distributors play in connecting international manufacturers with Kenyan contractors, developers and consumers

The company entered Kenya in 2021 with wiring devices but has since expanded its portfolio to cover a wider range of electrical applications. /HANDOUT

For thousands of Kenyan families hoping to own a home, getting the keys to an affordable house is only part of the journey.

Behind the walls, lighting, sockets and other electrical fittings must work safely and reliably to make the house a place where families can live comfortably.

As Kenya expands its affordable housing programme, the electrical systems installed in these developments are becoming an important part of the country’s push to provide decent homes and modern infrastructure.

Himel, a global manufacturer of low-voltage electrical products, says it has supplied electrical solutions for five developments under the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, covering 4,657 housing units and 104 retail shops across the country.

The company provided miniature circuit breakers, consumer units, moulded-case circuit breakers and other power distribution equipment designed to support safe and reliable electricity distribution in the developments.

While the equipment may not be the first thing a prospective homeowner notices when viewing a house, it plays a critical role in everyday life, from powering household appliances to helping protect electrical installations against faults.

For residents, reliable electrical systems can mean fewer disruptions and greater confidence in the safety of their homes.

Himel says its involvement in the housing projects has also helped simplify procurement by allowing developers to source a range of electrical products from one supplier.

The company highlighted its growing role in Kenya’s construction and infrastructure sectors during its Kenya Leadership Connect 2026 event, held under the theme “Powering Kenya Together”.

The gathering brought together industry leaders, contractors, consultants, customers and distribution partners to discuss the country’s changing electrical needs and explore technologies for homes, businesses and industries.

Himel’s Vice President for International Sales Koon San Ang, said Kenya’s investment in housing, commercial buildings, industrial development and energy infrastructure presented opportunities for the company to expand its contribution to the market.

“Kenya continues to be one of the most dynamic and promising markets in East Africa. Himel intended to support the country’s development with an integrated range of products covering power distribution, automation, energy management, electric vehicle charging and smart building technologies,” said Ang.

Its latest products include new wiring devices, industrial drives, electric vehicle chargers, smart relays, solar drives and automatic transfer switches.

These technologies are designed to serve a market where growing urban populations, new housing developments and expanding commercial activity are increasing demand for dependable electrical infrastructure.

According to experts, for homeowners, the quality of electrical installations can affect the safety and functionality of their living spaces. For developers, contractors and building managers, reliable equipment can help reduce installation complications and support the long-term performance of buildings.

The challenge is ensuring that such products are not only available but also supported by technical expertise and distribution networks that can meet the needs of projects across the country.

Himel is working with local distributor Nabico Enterprises Limited to expand access to its products and provide technical support to customers.

Nabico Enterprises director Biren Shah, said Kenya’s growth in housing, energy and industrial development required suppliers that could balance product quality with value and local availability.

“Kenya’s rapid development across housing, commercial infrastructure, energy, and industrial sectors requires partners that can deliver both quality and value,” said Shah.

He said the partnership was intended to give customers access to a wider range of electrical products, backed by local support and technical expertise.

Nabico, a family-owned Kenyan business established in 1989, has grown from selling bicycles into a supplier of electrical solutions for residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Beyond housing, Himel is positioning its products for use in factories, commercial buildings, energy projects and other infrastructure developments as demand for electricity-related technologies evolves.

At the Leadership Connect event, participants were also introduced to products aimed at supporting automation, solar power applications, electric vehicle charging and smart buildings.

These technologies could become increasingly relevant as Kenya expands its built environment and businesses seek more efficient ways to manage electricity consumption.

However, the impact of such investments will ultimately be felt beyond product demonstrations and industry gatherings. It will depend on whether safe, reliable electrical systems reach the homes, workplaces and public facilities used by ordinary Kenyans.

For families moving into newly built homes, the everyday value of electrical infrastructure lies in the ability to switch on the lights, prepare meals, charge devices and use household appliances with confidence.

As the affordable housing programme continues to expand, the equipment installed behind the walls will remain an important, if less visible, part of making those homes functional.

Himel says it plans to deepen its investment in Kenya through new technologies, local partnerships and technical support as the country develops its residential, commercial and industrial infrastructure.

Founded in Spain in 1958, the company operates in more than 60 countries and has a portfolio of more than 32,000 stock-keeping units.