Mary-Ann Musangi’s HACO Industries completes second phase of solar expansion

Key Points

• HACO Industries completes second phase of solar installation, covering 60% of energy needs for its home and personal care division.
• The upgrade adds 311 solar panels, reinforcing HACO’s Chasing Zero Initiative to cut waste and greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable production.
• Under Mary-Ann Musangi’s leadership, HACO expands clean energy efforts, supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030 and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

HACO Industries, one of East Africa’s leading makers of home and personal care products, has taken a big step forward in its shift to clean energy. Under the leadership of Managing Director Mary-Ann Musangi, daughter of the late businessman Chris Kirubi, the company has just brought the second phase of its solar installation online for its Home and Personal Care line.

The new system adds 311 solar panels and will generate about 180 kWh of power, covering roughly 60 percent of that division’s energy needs. This upgrade reinforces HACO’s Chasing Zero Initiative, which aims to eliminate waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions by adopting more circular, eco-friendly production practices.

HACO rolls out multiple green initiatives

Beyond solar power, HACO is also rolling out several other green efforts. The company has launched a post-consumer plastic collection program, formed waste-to-energy partnerships, and is tightening its supply chain to favour sustainably sourced materials. All of these steps support HACO’s goal of creating products that are better for people and kinder to the planet.

At the commissioning ceremony, Mary-Ann Musangi said, “Sustainability isn’t an afterthought for us, it’s at the heart of everything we do. This solar project isn’t just about saving on electricity bills. It’s about making sure our children inherit a healthier world.”

HACO’s solar push drives savings

This latest installation builds on a 240 kWh solar array HACO set up four years ago at its plastics plant. Together, the two systems will drastically cut the company’s Scope 2 emissions, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and lower operating costs.

They also support Kenya’s Vision 2030 and advance several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including clean energy (SDG 7), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).

HACO’s legacy continues through Kirubi heirs

HACO Industries was founded in 1970 by Chris Kirubi and has grown into a major supplier across East Africa, COMESA and ECOWAS markets. When Kirubi passed away in 2021 at age 80, his estate, valued at Ksh20-billion ($176 million), was largely bequeathed to his children.

Mary-Ann and her brother, Robert Kirubi, inherited the majority share, including stakes in HACO Industries, alongside interests in Centum, KCB Group and other ventures. Their uncle and aunts share the remaining portion, carrying on the family’s business legacy.