On 8/5/1984 a brand by the name Coca Cola started its operation in Kenya.The Coca-Cola Company on Tuesday of May 8 celebrates its 132nd birthday globally, 90 years in Africa, and 70 years of operation in Kenya.
Marked as Founder’s Day, 8th May 1886 was the day Dr. John S. Pemberton sold the first Coca-Cola for just 5 cents in Atlanta, Georgia USA.
In 1948, the company started operations selling imported Coca-Cola beverages from its plant along Addis Ababa Road, in the Industrial Area of Nairobi, before starting to manufacture and bottle the iconic beverage.
It has three bottling partners – CCBA Kenya (Coca-Cola Beverages Africa), Almasi Beverages and Coastal Bottlers – the Coca-Cola system in Kenya has employed over 10,000 people directly.
Coca-Cola products are always available ‘within an arm’s reach’, through a network of more than 340,000 outlets across the country.It supports an estimated 1 million people through its vast supply chain.
Ahmed Rady, General Manager of Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise during the 70 years of coke celebration in Kenya said that, "We take great pride in being a part of Kenya’s fibre for over 70 years, and being a part of celebrations by families and individuals who enjoy an ice-cold refreshment on a sunny day. Coca-Cola has also been a part of national celebrations, including the events to mark the attainment of the country’s independence in 1963 among other milestone events. But we offer more than just refreshments, we prioritize our value chain, and contribute to the nation’s social-economic aspirations and the environment."
For seven decades, the company has been a cornerstone of special moments- bringing people together, and being at the core of their celebrations, while providing refreshments.
The last decade has seen Coca-Cola in Kenya diversify its product range to include water and juice categories, giving customers more beverages to choose from.
The General manager finalized by saying, “Our key focus in the coming years is innovation leading to new products. However, in addition to offering refreshment, we are firmly committed to Kenya’s socio-economic advancement through investments in the communities we operate in. We have programs focused on water stewardship, women’s economic empowerment, environmental stewardship, and responsible waste management, among others. We believe that social investment makes good business sense."