End of an era: UK drinks giant Diageo set to exit Kenya, sells EABL stake for Sh297b

Asahi Group President and Group CEO Atsushi Katsuki and EABL Group MD Jane Karuku after a meeting with EABL staff shortly after the announcement that Asahi Group has bought Diageo PLC's shares in the company. [Courtesy] 

British drinks giant Diageo Plc has agreed to sell its controlling stake in East African Breweries Ltd  to Japan’s largest beer company Asahi Group Holdings in a deal worth $2.3 billion (Sh297 billion), marking the end of a decades-long presence for the spirits group in Kenya.

The London-based group said in a statement, on Wednesday, it has agreed to sell its stake in its Kenyan business as it looks to reduce its debt load through divestments.