Kenyan Manufacturer Opens East Africa’s First Inclusive Sensory Garden
NAIROBI, Kenya – Golden Africa Kenya Ltd., a subsidiary of the Yemen-based HSA Group, has launched what it calls East Africa’s first inclusive sensory garden, aiming to provide a welcoming space for people of all abilities and promote community wellbeing.
The garden, located adjacent to the company’s manufacturing plant, features pathways designed to be experienced through touch, sound, and scent. It includes aromatic plants, interactive educational signage, water features, and sound installations intended to stimulate multiple senses. An inclusive children’s play area, sculptures crafted from recycled materials, and seating complete the development.
“We wanted to create a space that truly welcomes everyone,” said Fathi Saeed, Managing Director of Golden Africa Kenya. “This garden is open to our employees, local schools, and the wider community, and represents our commitment to responsible corporate citizenship in Kenya and the region.”
The project underscores the company’s broader sustainability initiatives. Golden Africa Kenya has recently invested in solar and biomass energy systems at its production facility, alongside recycling programs, waste reduction measures, and tree-planting campaigns. The use of recycled materials in the garden’s construction highlights the integration of environmental sustainability with community-focused projects.
Golden Africa Kenya Limited began operations in Kenya in 2015 and manufactures edible oils, cooking fat, multipurpose washing bars, and detergents for the Kenyan market. The company’s lineage traces back to the Hayel Saeed Anam (HSA) family, a diversified multinational business group with a strong presence in the Middle East. HSA’s influence extends across Africa, particularly in the palm oil sector, with operations spanning from Senegal to Djibouti, according to recent reports.