Epson today celebrates 50 years of the Epson brand. From launching the world’s first compact digital printer in 1975 to pioneering today’s energy-efficient, low-waste solutions, Epson’s journey reflects the enduring values of creativity, challenge, integrity, and effort values rooted in its watchmaking origins dating back to 1942. In Kenya, these same principles now power classrooms, small businesses, print shops, and industrial operations, supporting the country’s Vision 2030 goal of a green, inclusive, and digital economy.
Epson: From the EP-101 to Today’s Innovations
The name “Epson” originates from the EP-101, the world’s first compact digital printer our “Electronic Printer” and the “parent” of many innovations. Fifty years later, its legacy lives on in a wide range of products, from the quiet receipt printers found in Kenyan supermarkets to the robust label systems used to track exports. Each of these products carries Epson’s DNA: efficient, compact, and precise.
Printing Solutions for Kenya’s Future
Kenya’s educators and entrepreneurs continue to drive demand for affordable, reliable printing. Epson responded with its EcoTank high-capacity ink tank printers—first tested in Indonesia and now a staple in Kenyan homes, offices, and CBC classrooms. With over 100 million units shipped globally, EcoTank printers reduce cartridge waste by up to 90%, saving users thousands of shillings annually.
Industrial customers benefit from Epson’s Precision Core technology, which powers third-party wide-format presses used in packaging and textile production. The WorkForce Enterprise LX-10000F, a high-speed office printer, delivers up to 100 pages per minute while consuming significantly less power than traditional laser models—an essential feature in regions where electricity costs and grid reliability are key concerns.
“Kenyan customers are clear: they want speed, quality, and sustainability in one package,” says Mukesh Bector, Regional Head – East & West Africa, Epson. “Whether it’s a school in Turkana printing lesson plans or a sign-maker in Mombasa producing large-format banners, Epson’s inkjet technology drastically lowers running costs and carbon footprint. As we mark 50 years, we reaffirm our commitment to helping Kenya print smarter and greener.”
Visual Communications
Epson’s journey in projection technology began in 1989. Today, its 3LCD laser projectors light up university lecture halls and transform cultural landmarks. Flagship models like the EB-L25000U (25,000 lumens) deliver cinema-grade brightness in a compact, flight-ready form—ideal for mobile event setups across East Africa’s vibrant festival scene.
Manufacturing and Wearables
Beyond printing, Epson’s SCARA robots support assembly lines by precisely placing smartphone components and assisting in pharmaceutical packaging. Vision-guided models now perform delicate tasks once handled by skilled technicians, boosting productivity and addressing labor shortages.
In horology, Epson’s acquisition of Orient Watch deepened its mechanical expertise, while its in-house quartz crystal devices continue to power timekeeping across industries.
Expanding Presence in Africa
In 2023, Epson expanded its direct presence in Africa through a regional hub in Dubai, complementing its long-standing distribution network in Nairobi. Local insights have informed product adaptations such as firmware designed to handle voltage fluctuations and inspired customer-focused services like the Epson Service Centre in Westlands, which offers fast repairs and genuine consumables for peace of mind.
Global Reach, Local Impact
Today, Epson technology supports a wide range of sectors from photo labs, textile mills to Agri-tech startups deploying sensor-equipped drones. This diversity is built on a foundation of quality and sustainability. Headquartered in the natural beauty of Nagano, Japan, Epson is committed to becoming carbon-negative and eliminating the use of exhaustible underground resources by 2050 an ambition that aligns with Kenya’s own climate goals.
As Epson commemorates five decades of innovation, the company extends heartfelt gratitude to its Kenyan partners, dealers, and customers. Their trust has fueled Epson’s growth from the first dot-matrix printers to today’s AI-ready industrial solutions. By continuing to design products that are efficient, compact, and precise, Epson remains dedicated to enriching lives and businesses across Kenya, helping the nation leap confidently into a digital, environmentally responsible future.
Also Read: Epson Ranked 6th Most Innovative Company in Clarivate’s Top 100 Global Innovators 2025
