Coca-Cola marks 70 years in Kenya

What you need to know:

  • In 1948, the company started operations selling imported Coca-Cola beverages from its plant on Addis Ababa Roa in Nairobi’s Industrial Area before starting to manufacture and bottle the beverage.

Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola today marks 70 years of operations in Kenya when it also celebrates its 132nd birthday since developer and founder John Pemberton sold the first bottle for just five cents in Atlanta, US.

In 1948, the company started operations selling imported Coca-Cola beverages from its plant on Addis Ababa Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area before starting to manufacture and bottle the beverage.

“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,” Ahmed Rady, general manager of Coca-Cola East and Central Africa franchise, said in a statement.

“With our three bottling partners — CCBA Kenya (Coca-Cola Beverages Africa), Almasi Beverages and Coastal Bottlers — the Coca-Cola system in Kenya employs over 10,000 people directly and supports an estimated one million people through its vast supply chain.

“This ensures that Coca-Cola products are always available within an arm’s reach, through a network of more than 340,000 outlets across the country.”