Kenyans are increasingly making their mark globally with prime positions in multinational companies that control millions of shillings.
In the latest development, another Kenyan CEO has been selected to lead the African subsidiary (worth Ksh720 million) of a global firm, Gridworks, based in the UK.
According to a report by The Standard, Mbuvi Ngunze was selected by Gridworks to chair Mettle Solar Investments, an energy company based in South Africa that it acquired in 2019.
Mettle Solar is tasked with providing energy solutions to other companies across the continent.
According to a statement by Gridworks, the firm aims at expanding its influence across the continent from the three countries it currently operates in.
“The investment by Gridworks will also see Mettle appoint Mbuvi Ngunze as its new chairman. Ngunze is an experienced African business leader, who is currently a senior adviser to Catalyst Principal Partners.
"Gridworks’ investment, the first since launching in June 2019, will help drive Mettle into new markets across Africa,” read the communication in part.
Countries in which Mettle Solar has established its operations include South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Indian Ocean islands, where it has 34 projects.
Ngunze accepted his new role stating that Africa was in need of power and Gridworks was better placed in bridging the gap.
“There’s a clear need for a reliable power supply to businesses across Africa, with the continent’s commercial and industrial customers crying out for stable, affordable green energy.
“With the new investment announced today by Gridworks, I believe that Mettle can expand into new African markets, meeting the growing needs of businesses, while helping to combat climate change. I look forward to playing my part in that growth," the paper quoted him.
Ngunze, who was also appointed to Gridworks board, has served as the non-executive Chairman of Safarilink Aviation in 2018.
