Unilever East Africa has completed the move of its offices to a new premises in Watermark Business Park in Karen, Kenya as part of a plan to expand its operations in the region, according to a report published in The Star.

The East African region has witnessed growing consumer spend in recent years, and is now placed second only to South Africa. The Anglo-Dutch consumer giant’s Kenyan base is said to be crucial for the company, providing access to 120,000 retail outlets across East Africa.

“East Africa is an essential market for our future growth strategy. As a company, we are committed to investing in our business and our employees,” said Unilever Africa President Bruno Witvoet at the opening ceremony for the new office.

“As we grow our business, we continue to create economic opportunities throughout our value chain for our suppliers and retailers throughout our extensive distribution network,” added Unilever East Africa CEO Mark Engel.

The company’s latest move will see the focus shift from its former Nairobi Industrial area manufacturing site. As reported in Global Cosmetics News, the company has invested substantially in East Africa in recent months, with the purchase of 70 acres of industrial land in Tatu City and a new Sh155 million production line in Nairobi.