SC Johnson’s New Nairobi Plant Brings Innovation and Hope

In a groundbreaking step toward combating mosquito-borne diseases, SC Johnson, the makers of trusted household brands such as OFF!® and Raid®, early this month launched high-speed manufacturing lines at its Nairobi plant to produce the SC Johnson Guardian spatial repellent. This innovative product has the potential to transform malaria prevention in Africa, where 94% of malaria cases and 95% of related deaths occur, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The new manufacturing facility in Nairobi will produce up to 20 million units of the spatial repellent annually. Designed for ease of use, Guardian can be hung in semi-enclosed spaces such as homes and schools, offering protection against multiple mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis. Clinical trials conducted in Indonesia, Peru, and Kenya have already demonstrated its efficacy, showing a 33% reduction in disease risk with proper use.

“This is only the beginning,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “We are months away from receiving a policy recommendation from the World Health Organization that will allow us to get this new tool into the hands of millions. Our team’s vision to create an affordable, long-lasting solution for malaria prevention is becoming a reality.”

The opening of the plant is not just a milestone in public health but also a boost to the local economy. The facility is expected to create approximately 150 jobs, providing much-needed opportunities in the

region. More than $22 million has been invested in the Nairobi plant as part of SC Johnson’s $100 million commitment to developing, testing, and distributing spatial repellents over the past decade.

A Local Solution to a Global Health Challenge

Manufacturing the repellents in Kenya is a strategic move, allowing for rapid distribution to areas most affected by mosquito-borne diseases. Dr. Eric Ochomo, Deputy Director at the Kenya Medical Research

Institute, called the development a “game changer.”

“Our partnership with SC Johnson allows us to leverage our expertise and get these tools to the people who need them most—at no cost,” Ochomo said. “This collaboration will save lives and avert outbreaks in regions with high disease burdens.”

The timing couldn’t be more critical as the peak malaria season looms across Africa. Guardian provides up to 12 months of protection, giving vulnerable communities a powerful new tool in their fight

against mosquito-borne diseases.

Looking Ahead

As the world awaits WHO’s policy recommendation for spatial repellents, SC Johnson is already planning to expand its manufacturing and distribution efforts. The goal is clear: to make Guardian a key component of public health interventions in Africa and beyond.

This initiative represents more than just a business venture—it’s a philanthropic effort aimed at improving lives. SC Johnson’s commitment to using its resources and expertise to tackle pressing global health challenges is a model for how private companies can contribute to the greater good.

With the Nairobi plant fully operational, the future looks brighter for communities across Africa especially in this uncertain times where the US under the leadership of Donald Trump froze oversees aid. The promise of fewer infections and healthier lives is no longer a distant hope—it’s a tangible possibility, one step closer to ending the fight against malaria and other deadly diseases.