Home Business Pepsi Kenya Launches Sting Energy to Tap Into $2.6bn Soft Drinks Market

Pepsi Kenya Launches Sting Energy to Tap Into $2.6bn Soft Drinks Market

Sting’s arrival comes with global momentum, having been named the Official Energy Drink of Formula 1 in May 2025, linking the brand to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

by Brian Yatich
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Pepsi Kenya, through SBC Kenya, has launched Sting Energy, a premium energy drink targeted at Kenya’s growing base of ambitious consumers.

The brand enters the market with two variants – Red Rush (“Ignite Your Power”) and Gold Rush (“Elevate Your Energy”)—both available in 330ml bottles at a retail price of Ksh 50. Distribution will span major supermarkets, convenience outlets, and neighborhood kiosks nationwide.

The entry marks Pepsi’s bold push into Kenya’s expanding energy drink segment, which recorded a 15% penetration increase between 2021 and 2024.

Sting’s arrival comes with global momentum, having been named the Official Energy Drink of Formula 1 in May 2025, linking the brand to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

Kenya’s broader soft drinks market is forecast to rise from US$1.68 billion in 2024 to US$2.61 billion by 2030, according to industry data. Analysts point to heightened consumer demand for functional beverages that combine energy, flavor, and lifestyle appeal beyond basic hydration.

Market research firm Euromonitor ranks energy drinks among the best-performing soft drink categories in Kenya in 2024, fueled by urban lifestyles and the appetite for on-the-go refreshment. Yet despite rapid growth, the segment has faced gaps—existing products are often expensive, inconsistent in taste, or lacking global brand identity.

Sting Energy aims to close that gap with premium packaging, bold flavors, and international credibility at a mass-market price point.

“With Sting Energy, we are igniting a movement,” said Baker Muganda, CEO of Pepsi Kenya.

“Our vision is to give Kenyans an energy drink that fuels ambition, connects them to global passion like Formula 1, and empowers them to push their limits every day.”

“At SBC Kenya, innovation is about creating new possibilities,” added John K’Otieno, Country Manager. “Sting Energy is built for go-getters—students, athletes, and professionals—who demand energy with confidence and global pride.”

Already present in over 30 global markets, Sting Energy is positioned as a lifestyle brand as much as a functional refreshment.

Pepsi Kenya expects it to become the go-to energy drink for the country’s next generation of achievers, offering both performance and cultural identity in every bottle.

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