Kenya Top 100-Online Newspaper -THE FASTEST GROWING MID-SIZED BUSINESSES IN KENYA

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

Enterprise

SPECIAL ISSUE

THE FASTEST GROWING MID-SIZED BUSINESSES IN KENYA

>>Energy firm tops survey>>Five join Club 101

II BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

BY JOSPHAT MWAURA

For the sixth year running, the Kenya Top 100 sur-vey has once again given

recognition to a section of the businesses that are behind the Kenyan economy’s phenomenal resilience.

Just over two thirds of the 245 businesses that participated in the survey this year have been in busi-ness for 11 years or more with 17 per cent having been in business for more than 25 years.

The point is that these are not fly-by-night outfits. They are busi-nesses that have become adept at studying the environment around them, conceptualizing opportu-nity, mobilizing resources and weathering considerable chal-lenges to deliver employment, revenue growth, exceptional profitability, cash, and ultimately foreign exchange earnings either through exports or attracting for-eign direct investment.

At the Kenya Top 100 Con-ference this year, we invited the founder of a company that won the inaugural awards in 2008 to share lessons with other partici-pants on how he got there and how his business progressed af-ter the win.

Paul Kinuthia’s business jour-ney at InterConsumer Products is a story worthy of study as a busi-ness case.

It is gratifying to see the Top100 initiative raise the profile of a company from obscurity to attracting the attention of global investors. Paul has now sold his business to L’Oreal and moved on to other ventures.

From what we gathered at the conference, I expect we will soon be hearing of the great strides that his new business will be making. It is stories like these that justify every effort and expense that the Nation Media Group and KPMG put into the Top 100 survey.

Our hope is that this platform will inspire many more entrepre-neurs; that it will provide a plat-form for learning, and above all, that every single entrepreneur in Kenya can expect to be applauded for their contribution to the trans-formation of the economy.

I am personally very clear in my mind that we will only achieve true independence, that we will only be masters of our destiny as a nation when we have grown a critical mass of entrepreneurs, of wealth creators, of investors in the future of our country. This is why

business transformation, big and small, is so dear to my heart.

We need entrepreneurs to in-crease the stock of capital and put Kenya on the global map as an importer of everything required to increase production and ef-ficiency.

We need entrepreneurs to create employment and engage a greater percentage of the popu-lation in productive activities.

We need entrepreneurs to grow our exports and increase for-eign exchange earnings to beef up our reserves, our currency and ex-pand our capacity to engage more in the global economy.

We need entrepreneurs to increase our tax revenues and assure our self-sufficiency as a nation.

Above all, we need entrepre-neurs, the people with wealth, to invest back in our society through Corporate Social Investment pro-grammes that increase access to

education, health services, safe-guard the environment, and men-tor others to grow into successful entrepreneurs.

We need entrepreneurs to cre-ate this virtuous cycle, to trans-form our economy, and exceed our expectations of Vision 2030.

This is why we go into the Top 100 survey process every year. This is why we have expanded the survey to Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda and continue to cast our eye in the wider Eastern Af-rica region.

Our hope is that this process can make its own contribution to realizing the aspirations of the people of eastern Africa by not only recognising and celebrating these businesses but by sharing lessons and providing a platform for networking and deepening business relationships.

A review of the survey results indicates that some businesses pursue revenue growth without taking account of profitability and collectability.

Remember not only to pay at-tention to revenue growth, but also profit and cash. If you are taking on a business that does not deliver profit, you have to have a very strategic reason to be giving away money.

You cannot afford it for too long and it must be clear what value you will earn from that in-vestment in the future.

You might be able to carry the

loss for a limited period, but in the medium term, every busi-ness should pay for itself. Pay at-tention to cash as well. However, profitable the business may ap-pear, if you are unable to collect, then that business is not worth your time.

It will also limit your ability to reinvest in future expansion and growth. To succeed in the field of enterprise, it is advisable that when you do make money, do not use it for other purposes, like pro-curing the latest model of vehicles and other luxuries.

Plough the money back into the business - this reinvestment will also communicate to others just how much you believe in the business.

As we go into the seventh year, it will also be time to reflect on the entire survey process and consolidate the lessons that we have learnt.

One of those lessons relates to the admission of businesses that exceed Sh10 billion turnover into Club 101. We will be opening di-rect entry into this club in 2014 and thereafter, admission into Club 101 will be limited to busi-nesses that have previously par-ticipated in the Top 100 survey.

In addition, we will be look-ing into the trends over the sev-en years for companies that have consistently participated for at least five of the seven years.

This will enable us to take feed-back, capture important lessons and give special recognition to these regular participants.

One of the issues we are al-ready looking into is the factor of “scale” and its appropriate weight in assessing the revenue growth of the Top 100 survey par-ticipants.

We are looking forward to the usual enthusiastic participation in this learning process.

Our plea to the government and every institution that is in-volved in creating an enabling en-vironment for business is this: do not put any obstacles in the way of these businesses.

Bring the highest level of integ-rity, innovation and performance into your every engagement with these businesses and facilitate their quest to create wealth.

That is the greatest act of pa-triotism that you can show as we embark on the next jubilee.

Mr Mwaura is Chief Executive Officer/Senior Partner KPMG East Africa

Ou≥ t≥ue independence lies in having a c≥itical mass of wealth c≥eato≥s

Mr Josphat Mwaura,Chief Executive Officer/Senior Partner KPMG East Africa. COURTESY PHOTO

We need ent≥ep≥eneu≥s to g≥ow ou≥ expo≥ts and inc≥ease fo≥eign exchange ea≥nings to beef up ou≥ ≥ese≥ves, ou≥ cu≥≥ency and expand ou≥ capacity to engage mo≥e in the global economy.

FOUNDERS

|Chief Executive Officer Linus Gitahi | Group Editorial Director Joseph Odindo

Managing Editor Ochieng Rapuro | Production Editor Bobby Kiama

Chief Graphic Designer Roger Mogusu | Photo Editor Joan Pereruan

Senior Graphic Designer Gennevieve Awino Nahinga

Photographer Diana Ngila

SPONSORS

KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

SURVEY PARTNER

DIGITAL PARTNER

2 |

IIIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY

BY LINUS GITAHI

A properly developing project; be it an individual or organisation, at the age of six, becomes capa-

ble of performing increasingly complex tasks and as a result strives to master new skills. The annual Top 100 SMEs award is in its sixth edition and the en-thusiasm of being capable of embrac-ing new challenges with the experience garnered over the years, fuels the spirit of celebrating the men and women who have made a mark in the world of entre-preneurship.

Celebrating milestones such as sev-eral Top 100 companies joining the Club 101, having the awards hosted in four countries out of five in East Africa and enhancing employment in the region not only through the empowered organisa-tions but also by popularizing the cul-ture of entrepreneurship amongst the young East Africans makes the Top 100 SMEs custodians - Nation Media Group and KMPG – very honoured indigenous protagonists.

Being a Top 100 company is the game-changer for the entrepreneur who works tirelessly to realise their vision –the defin-ing moment of being either industrious or inferior; being productive or depend-ent is the task at hand. We relentlessly

support this initiative because the cel-ebrated entrepreneur continuously proves that free or private enterprise is the dynamic force behind innovation and much required economic growth.

This award provides the participants with a conference and exhibition; this forum facilitates networking, marketing and educational opportunities.

Most SME’s are family run business-es and through this exposure catapults these organisations into professional outfits who may just earn a listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. This exposure provides reflection on the busi-ness confidence outlook, talent manage-ment policies, involvement in corporate social responsibility and the role played by innovation in their operations.

As Africa is known for its lack of information with which to make well informed strategic decisions, the propo-nents, Nation Media Group and KMPG will consolidate a database of Top 100 SME’s from different regions.

The participants therefore contrib-ute to the development of an industry archive. Quite importantly, this provides the participants with a platform to form business associations with relevant and like-minded partners to transact busi-ness and further, to benchmark them-selves against their peers. Who knows,

this may be the launching pad for merg-ers in the region to competitively trade within and beyond the region as mul-tinationals.

As leaders in their respective busi-nesses, it is imperative that they main-tain best corporate governance practices and risk management processes that are cognisant of the level of business matu-rity to ensure they maintain the respect earned through participating and being recognised as a Top 100 SME. Now, as renowned leaders in entrepreneurship, with advanced skills acquired through the recognition process that is the Top 100 Survey, it is then expected that they

cascade this experience to other ‘younger’ entrepreneurs in their field of industry as success will lead to a sense of competence and failure leads to dependency.

The Business Daily is proud to be as-sociated with the Top 100 Mid-sized com-panies Awards and continues to support entrepreneurs driven by the knowledge that a being a true leader means sharing in order to achieve more. We celebrate the future definition of East Africa’s economy.

Congratulations to all the 2013 win-ners!Mr Gitahi is Chief Executive Officer of Nation Media Group

Being a Top 100 fi≥m is the p≥ize fo≥ consistent excellence

Nation Media Group chief executive Linus Gitahi: “Being a Top 100 company is the game-changer for entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to realise their vision .”

| 3BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

Failure shouldn’t be a dirty word for entrepreneurs. That’s one of several new findings by Babson College, in collaboration with The Business Innovation Factory, a non-profit re-search group, as part of an in-depth look at American entrepreneurs and their attitudes toward business.

“We found that entrepreneurship is just a series of failures,” said Heidi Neck, an associate professor of en-trepreneurship and director of the Entrepreneur Experience Lab at the Boston area college, which is known for entrepreneurial studies.

“You need to prepare for fail-ure, you need to tolerate failure and you need to learn from failure,” she said. “Maybe we need to start talking about it as intentional itera-tion.” The Lab recently completed the first phase of its examination of 250 startups in several areas around the country.

Despite differences in product and industry areas, many opera-tors of small businesses have more in common than they realise, said Neck. Her research found startups, as dissimilar as social media ventures and donut makers, sometimes shar-ing basic philosophies and underly-ing operational practices.

“When we put people in boxes, it limits their accessibility,” said Neck, noting that in order to “democratise” entrepreneurship, “you really need to break down some of these walls and some of these cliques.” - REUTERS

Failu≥e shouldn’tbe a di≥ty wo≥d fo≥ ent≥ep≥eneu≥s

IV BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

BY ROBERT ONYANGO

This is a milestone year as we celebrate the 6th edition of the Kenya Top 100 fastest growing medium-size companies survey. The Top 100 survey began in 2008 and is conducted by KPMG and the Nation Media Group through the Busi-ness Daily.

The overall objective of the Top 100 survey is to identify Kenya’s fastest growing medium sized businesses in order to showcase business excellence and highlight the country’s most suc-cessful entrepreneurship stories.

The survey presents an opportunity for par-ticipating companies to benchmark themselves against their peers, contribute to the develop-ment of industry databases, and enjoy recog-nition as top performers at both national and industry level, and as members of a prestigious club of ‘prosperity’ creators.

How the ranking was compiledCompanies submitted eight key ratios through the Financial Questionnaire. Of these ratios only three are used to rank the companies.

The profit/earnings ratios submitted by the participating companies are reviewed to estab-lish whether the mid-sized companies re-invest their profits, or pay them out as dividends.

The interest cover ratios are used to establish whether the companies that take part in the sur-vey and which have debt, have enough profits to cover their interest.

What the survey is NOT about• Identifying or rewarding the companies with

the highest turnover or the highest profit, neither does it seek to highlight the biggest medium-sized companies.

• Assessing or rewarding non-quantitative information, for example customer service, job satisfaction, business ethics, or social re-sponsibility etc. The survey recognises the importance of these in the successful running of a business, but ranking only considers the financial performance based on the criteria and parameters agreed upon.

if a company does not treat its customers or its employees well, or engages in unethical practices, this will have a negative impact on the financial

Key findings of the Kenya Top 100 2013 su≥veyOverall objective is to identify fastest medium-sized businesses in the country so as to showcase excellence

performance. Positive financial performance is a good indicator that something is being done well, to meet customer needs. • We do not reward the companies for their role

in job creation, even though this is important. The relationship between fast growing compa-nies and job creation is however of interest and is reported as part of the qualitative aspects of the survey.

• We do not make any representation as to the accuracy of the figures submitted to us. We do require that participating company’s auditors send a confirmation of the submitted ratios

• We do not verify the tax status of the companies

SURVEY DETAIL SUMMARY

Criteria Turnover for the last three yearsSh70 million to Sh 1 billion

Not listed on the Stock ExchangeRatios submitted based on 3-year audited accountsNot a Bank or Insurance company

Methodology Quantitative SurveyFace-to-face interviews with CEO and CFO of the companyOral interview, completion of a general questionnaire

Sample 245 Entries

Survey Dates 15th May to 31st August

Controllable Non-controllable

Human resource issues

High interest rates

Competition Government bureaucracy

Lack of financing Currency instability

Poor infrastructure

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INDEX BY SECTOR

CHALLENGES BUSINESSES FACED INCLUDE:

4 |

What Makes Us DifferentAlthough Brogibro is only a medium sized firm, its subsidiary services are unequalled and we are ready to partner with anyone in the industry for the promotion of mutually arranged programs. You may check it out. Our policy: “Honesty is the only policy” bears us out.Why Move to Brogibro?(i) The hassle of logistical arrangements and organizations is off your back, once you explain

to us the kind of environment you would like, we do the searching, negotiations, settlements and only invite your representative to be present just before finalization of the agreement to consent to our choice of the facility.

(ii) We free your staff to concentrate on the meetings as we are always on site to confirm smooth running and all you do is point areas of weaknesses then we iron out with the hotels, airlines, cottages, holiday sites etc. Ours is to offer you a holiday while you hold your conferences/seminars.

(iii) Consolidating your expenses so that you do not have to operate too many creditors’ accounts. We offer all but send one consolidated bill that will be supported by individual bills for your verifications (have all under one roof)

(iv) Offer our clients competitive sites in hotels of their choice and are ready to give comparative quotes from 3 or more similar classes of hotels to enable clients choose from the range offered.

(v) We offer flying holiday packages to places like Dubai, Bangkok, South Africa, Seychelles, Mara, Samburu, etc for company’s retreats with very competitive prices.

(vi) Our services are tailored to meet the client’s requirements.Group name: Livestock Ranching & Pilgrims Egypt/Israel Tour from 21st June – 2nd July, 2014, Registration on going, hurry!!!!!!DAY 1 JOURNEY TO THE PROMISED LANDDAY 2 THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM AND THE PYRAMIDSDAY 3 CHRISTIAN SITES (Out of Egypt I called my son “Mathew 2.15)DAY 4 MT. SINAI (The glory of the Lord settled on Mt. Sinai Ex 24.16)DAY 5 DEAD SEA (‘…. But Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt Gen 19:26)DAY 6 Old City of Jerusalem & MT. OLIVES (‘…On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives.. Zacharia 14.4) Day 7: (Kibbutz Ambar Feed Center & Fish Farm Gan-Shmuel) Ambar Feed Center Gan- Shmuel http://www.ambar.co.il/page 13534 Kibbutz Harduf Organic Dairy Farm Day 8: (Kibbutz Afikim - Animal Health Monitoring) http://www.afimilk.com DAY 9: (Tze’ela Dairy Farm)Day 10: (Family Excellent Dairy Farm at Moshav Kfar- Vitkin) http://www.icba.org.il/pic-month/kfar-vitkin.htmDay 11: (Tel Aviv – Nairobi) Arrival Back Home at 1240 hours

BROGIBRO COMPANY LIMITED.(Conference & Event Organizers, Hotel Booking, Safaris, Excursions,

Mountain Climbing, Transfers, Car Hire & Air Ticketing)

COMMERCE HOUSE, Moi Avenue, 6th Floor, P. O. BOX 22315-00400, Nairobi-Kenya TEL NO 254-20-2603582/2211662/3, Cell 254-722-985390 or 254-733-128526.

Email [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.brogibrotours.co.ke

END YEAR EVENTS MANAGEMENTS!!!!!!

Eureka Technical Services LimitedNo.5 off Riverside, Westlands

P.O.Box 49844 - 00100, Nairobi, KenyaTelephone: +254 020 444 5155 / 70

+254 720 960752, +254 722 553085.E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.eurekaafrica.com

• Fleet Management System (Tracking)

• Romatic speed Governor• Vehicle Alarm Systems

• Home & office Alarms• CCTV Cameras• Electric/ razor wire fences• StarTimes- Agent Decoder/Tv

Eureka Technical Services Limited is a safety and security company and has been in operation for over 25 years. Our vision is to attain the status of leading distributor of security and safety equipment in Africa.

We also ensure that all our products and services conform to the KEBS standards.

Our Company is committed to the policies and procedures of enhancing best services to all our customers by analyzing all feedback between our international partners and local consultants.

It is all about safety…

VThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY

as this is not an entry requirement or criteria used to evaluate the companies.

Some key findings• Majority of the companies have no additional

branches other than the main office. • Almost half of the companies that participated in

this survey have an annual turnover of between Sh70 million and Sh499 million.

• About three quarters of the companies are fully Kenyan owned.

• Half of the companies plan to expand to other countries within East Africa community com-pared to 61 per cent in the 2012 survey.

• Approximately half of the companies have over 50 permanent employees on their payroll ver-sus 39 per cent in 2010.

• The number of staff has continued to grow by a tenth since 2011 to 189 in 2012.

• The likelihood of increasing staff numbers is high, at 60per cent. This increment is attrib-uted to the expected growth of the economy and amongst certain sectors.

Telecommunication and Professional Service companies were well represented in the survey and are among those that registered immense growth of more than 80 per cent. Most of this growth is attributed to:– Expansion– Good marketing strategies and hence more

clients/customers– Competition– Quality products• Usage of computers is high, but focus on IT

security is low.

• Accounting software is the main application used by the Companies. Consideration for soft-ware is mainly based on availability of local support and price.

• Compared to 2012, there is an increase from 67 per cent in 2012 to 75 per cent in 2013 in the adoption of technology, mainly in new ma-chines.

• International certification acquisition has im-proved from 16 per cent in 2010 to 22 per cent in 2013 with ISO taking the bigger pie of the certification options.

• 91 per cent of the companies are participating in CSR activities.

• Majority of the companies (91 per cent) have a mission statement.

• About half of the companies review their stra-tegic plan every three years.

Interpreting the findings of the surveyDifferences in the company rankings are based on the various dynamics in the industries in which they operate.

A company’s performance will be impacted by several factors such as the general economic conditions, industry characteristics (buyer so-phistication, competition) the stage in the life-cycle of a company (early high growth or mature slower growth). The overall ranking is however “sector neutral”

Comparisons between companies in the same sector point to performance differentials that are company specific.

Companies from the same sector or carrying out similar business can compare their rankings against their competitors;

The survey is time-bound. The analysed data considered input for the period 2010 to 2012. Dif-ferent trends could likely emerge if the period was shorter or longer.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and self nominating. Each company taking part submitted key information on revenue growth, profitability and liquidity. companies may have performed very well in one aspect and poorly in another e.g. they may have had very good revenue growth by did poorly on cash flow generation.

Some reasons why companies did not meet ranking criteria• They only submitted the General Question-

naire and not the Financial Questionnaire or submitted the Financial Questionnaire long after the submission deadline

• They did not send in the Auditor confirmations or sent them in after the deadline

• Responses to inquiries on inconsistencies and missing data did not come back on time

This years survey saw the admission into club 101 of six companies. This brings to just above 20, the number of companies that have progres-sively graduated to this prestigious club.

The Top 100 companies and members of club 101 will be involved in forums that will take place throughout the year. The forums focus on ad-dressing challenges that the companies in the mid-size sector face.I take this opportunity to congratulate all

the companies that participated in this year’s survey and those that became members of the Top 100 club 2013.

Mr Onyango is the Project Director, Kenya Top 100

Guests look on during the Top 100 Mid-sized Com-panies Gala night at the Carnivore on 11th October. DIANA NGILA

To have thrived for over a decade is testimony to Endeavour Africa Group’s relevance to firms that use its assorted

business solutions. To have been recognized at one of Kenya’s Top 100 mid-sized firms for the second year running further affirms the firm’s standing in the market.

Endeavour Africa Group emerged out of the firm belief that true and enduring success is always the result of collaborative effort. Estab-lished in 2002, it is one of the leading solutions providers in the field of Human Resource Man-agement, Financial and Business ICT Solutions and Integrated Security Solutions.

The firm’s vision of becoming Africa’s leading provider of cutting-edge solutions delivered with world-class service providing utmost sat-isfaction for its valued customers is unfolding. Its solutions are critical for customers and that is why the firm places great importance in on providing reliable, state-of-the-art products.

Endeavour Africa Group supplies, installs, and maintains fully integrated electronic secu-rity systems, such as CCTV, Intrusion , Access control, perimeter security, fire detection, baggage/ people scanners, Video door entry , intercom, automatic gates and barriers.

With ample experience and expertise in design of access control systems, the Kenyan-born firm now with operations even in Uganda, Tanzania, India and Nigeria provides a wide range of automatic security barriers that will prevent pedestrian or vehicle access through Boom Barriers, Low-height turnstiles, Swivel doors, full height Turnstiles, and Bollards to

mention a few.Its extensive range of CCTV cameras enables

the firm to design and build customer specific video surveillance solutions. Likewise, custom-ers can choose from the firm’s full range of conventional and addressable fire detection systems to install and implement alarm, equip-ment shutdown, and suppression system activa-tion as required.

To help counter the threat of terrorism in this part of the world, the firm also provides high high-tech detection and surveillance solutions which allow for effective screening of people and goods aimed at minimizing risk of undetect-ed entry of explosives, weapons and narcotics in commercial and public establishments alike.

Endeavour Africa Group recently ventured into Home Automation Solutions is another area where we have recently ventured into. Its Italian based, and environmental and pocket- friendly home automation system allows one to connect and control many of the processes and systems such as lighting, temperature control, blinds, electrical appliances, security solutions and communication devices from a single point and easy-to-use interface greatly enhancing user comfort and convenience. The Home Automation system comes with a wide range of aesthetically coordinated devices such as switches, sockets in a wide range of colorful cover plates available in different materials like marble, glass, stone and metal.

To supplement its ICT solutions, Endeavour Africa Group also provides structured cabling services for voice, video and data, a significant component for any building infrastructure that require specialized backbone network on both copper and fiber.

Endeavour Africa Group

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOP 100MID-SIZED COMPANIES 2013

By EVANS ONGWAE >>> [email protected]


VI BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 20136 |

INDUSTRY ENERGY

1 LEAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS

BY LILIAN OCHIENG

When Dinesh Tembhekar quit his job in Dar es Salam in 2006 to start a con-sultancy firm from the confines of his bedroom in Nairobi’s Westlands, little did he imagine that it would one day have him recognised as Kenya’s top most entrepreneur.

But that is the feat he achieved two weeks ago when his company Lean Energy Solutions was declared Ken-ya’s fastest growing mid-sized com-pany in the 2013 edition of the Top 100

mid-sized firms -- a survey that is spon-sored by the Nation Media Group and consultancy firm KPMG.

Dinesh, who is a mechanical engi-neer by profession, also has certifica-tion from the former Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India, now known as the Institute of Cost Account-ants. The certification is the equivalent of the Certified Public Accountant.

Armed with knowledge acquired while working as a manager for vari-ous international firms, the latest be-ing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Dar es Salaam, Dinesh hired a secretary to assist him as he visited companies to consult for them.

From this he made profits of be-tween Sh300,000 and Sh400,000 a month – way below the Sh650,000 gross salary he earned as an employ-ee of UNDP. After the initial pain, the consultancy firm that Dinesh founded, Lean Energy Solutions hit the growth

path besides opening his eyes to new business opportunities.

It was while he consulted for Muhoroni Sugar Company in West-ern Kenya that he saw the big mounds of bagasse and started thinking what could be done with it. He landed on the idea of using it to make briquettes.

“Being an opportunist, I took a flight to India and stayed there for two months studying how most factories

there manufactured briquettes from sugarcane and rice waste,” he said.

Lean Energy Solutions, a company that rides on provision of green technol-ogy, was declared the overall winner of this year’s TOP 100 mid-sized compa-nies’ survey.

The awards, sponsored by the Na-tion Media Group and consulting firm KPMG, recognise the fastest growing companies with annual revenues of be-

tween Sh70 million and Sh1 billion.Dinesh reckons that the journey of

entrepreneurship is never an easy one citing his many failures before hitting the path of success.

Upon graduating in 1985, he worked for 14 years at a Swedish company in In-dia that manufactures compressors.

“I was not satisfied with my job so I came to Kenya in the mid-90s and worked as a general manager for Spin Knit group for eight years,” he said. “I then moved to UNDP Tanzania where I worked for three years before I got tired of employment.”

At the start of his journey into the world of enterprise, Dinesh first con-sulted for Kaizen, a Japanese company that specialises in productivity improve-ment earning less money than he did in employment.

“I however pressed on and ploughed back three quarters of my earnings into business accessories and other expenses that could drive growth,” he said.

He then ventured into energy audits signing up big clients such as Bidco Oils, Unilever and Muhoroni Sugar.

The year 2009 was the turning point for Lean Energy. After two years of hard-ships, he realized a profit of Sh7 million that steadily grew thereafter.

In 2010, the company registered 85 per cent revenue growth. The next year returned a 65 per cent revenue growth followed by a 40 per cent growth in 2012.

Going g≥een wins ent≥ep≥eneu≥ the 2013 SME c≥own

Overall winner of the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies, Dinesh Tembhekar, Managing Director of Lean Energy Solutions during the Gala night at the Carnivore on October 11. DIANA NGILA

Novel staff receiving Kenya Top-100 Mid-Sized Companies Award from left Edwin Gitonga, Nelly Achieng, Alex Macharia and Lawrence Gitonga.Novel Technologies E.A. Ltd is an ICT solution provider in the following areas:• Structured cabling and Connectivity solutions; • Audio Visual digital recording and transcription solutions;• Tele-presence and video conferencing systems; • Design and deployment of data centre infrastructure systems, • Risk Management software (aCCelerate) Solution;• Security & Surveillance Systems and Unified Threat Management;• Conference management systems;• Rugged Equipment, DVD-Video Copyright Protection Equipment and Software;• Service and maintenance of various ICT equipment and accessories.

Novel has also received a Stevie Silver Award (International Business Awards) in information Technology Team of the Year 2013 for Implementation of Audio Visual Recording and Transcription System for Judiciary in Kenya

KENYA OFFICENovel Technologies E.A. Ltd2nd Floor, Royal Offices, Mogotio Rd,Parklands. P.O. Box 16727 -00620 Nairobi. KenyaTelephone: +254 20 3747326/7, 8155372/5 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.novel.co.ke

UGANDA OFFICENovel Technologies E.A. (U) Limited

Plot 105 Kira Road, KamwokyaP.O. Box 37275 Kampala, Uganda

Tel: +256 75 9973474, +256 751 833282Email: [email protected]

VIIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY | 7BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

Started by Gordon Eccles in 1946 in Rongai near Nakuru as an agri-cultural workshop serving the local farming community, it broadened its business base in the 1960’s by sup-plying short haul transport for fresh milk to the KCC, wheat and maize to the KFA and then long distance ser-vices for tea and sisal to Mombasa.

In the 1966 he incorporated his business into Rongai Workshop & Transport Ltd. taking on two share-holders and year by year he grew his business adding Leyland trucks to the fleet as demand for his transport services grew, building his own drop sided semi trailers then converting them into skeletal to carry shipping line containers as the modus operan-di for shipping export tea changed. In conjunction with several shipping lines, he provided the first direct ex-port service from western areas for the tea industry.

Rongai became a by-word for effi-

cient and reliable transport, its white Leyland trucks a familiar sight on the dusty or muddy tea roads in Kericho and Sotik then on through Nairobi to Mombasa, coping with often poorly maintained and potholed tarmac.

Gordon Eccles and Rongai’s em-phasis on best practice from high end customer service, top qual-ity truck maintenance, a culture of compliance and strict no bribery policy through to disciplined and well trained drivers and mechanics has provided a solid and enduring foundation on which the Company has continued to build.

In 2013 Rongai operates a 90 truck fleet, employs 252 people and carries 10,000 tons a month and still lives by the tenets established more than half a century ago. The Leyland trucks are no longer the back bone of the fleet, Rongai having added ERF and Beiben trucks to its fleet running under their distinctive white

Rongai Workshop & Transport Ltd. is one of the longest established road transport businesses in Kenya.

RONGAI – a Passion for Trucking

and green livery. It has spacious premises in Mombasa to cater for its fleet, and mirroring its Rongai headquarters, Mombasa also has an in-house container base with heavy container lifting equipment.

With its emphasis on compliance in all aspects of its business, particu-larly running within the legal axle load regulations Rongai has had to continually hone its efficiency to

be able to compete in an industry that often focuses on short term profit at the expense of long term development. Over the years Rongai has invested in fleet management technology, fully employing satellite tracking to keep track of its vehicle movements not only to optimize ef-ficiency but also to monitor driving style and real time fuel consumption of individual vehicles. With well equipped workshops both in Rongai and Mombasa, and an in-house driver training school, Rongai ensures its trucks are well maintained and its drivers well disciplined on the road, critical components for safety and security on the road.

Following the semi-retirement of Mr. Gordon Eccles, in 2009, his daughter Mrs. Vanessa Evans who had been working with the Company for over 20 years, handling the trans-port logistics and administration was appointed the position of Managing Director.

Mrs. Ritu Bahal, Finance and Marketing Director, with her wealth of experience in dealing with the complex and competitive

business climate continues to drive efficiency and strategy.

Mrs. Cheryle Robinson, Health & Safety Director, has driven the H.S.S.E. standards of the Company beyond mere compliance, awards attest to this. She has also driven the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility to high standards.

The combination of these three ladies, ably backed by a great team enables the Company to handle the daily challenges a transporter faces and provide top class service to cus-tomers.

The scope and the size of Rongai’s business has much changed since the early days but the basic busi-ness model has not. In its 65th year in business, Rongai is very proud to have been included in the Top 100 Mid-size businesses in Kenya from 2011 to 2013/2014.

Still a largely family-owned and family-run Company with dedicated and experienced staff in all ranks of their workforce, Rongai is confident that it will continue to expand and provide value to their customers, shareholders and workforce.



Part of the Rongai Team at the Gala Dinner 2013.

VIII BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

INDUSTRY MANUFACTURING

2 EAST AFRICAN CANVAS CO LTD

BY MUGAMBI MUTEGI

The duo that founded East African Can-vas Company Limited are masters of their trade having been at it for more than 20 years.

Each initially run their own outfit before merging to form the company seven years ago.

Gary McIntyre, the managing di-rector, made his entry into the tent business in 1990, specializing in cot-ton canvas tents and seat covers for off-road vehicles.

He later diversified into crafting travel accessories – hold alls, urban rucksacks, wine coolers and executive briefcases -- from canvas and leather materials.

Meanwhile, Robert Flowers, the company’s marketing director, left his job as a tour guide, incorporated Pengo Customized Canvas Limited

and was busy making inroads in the tent business before joining up with a former rival.

Mr Flowers’ company had a work-force of 40, all of them Kenyans, who made customized goods for companies such as Ker & Downey and several tour companies based in Tanzania.

The two tent enthusiasts merged in

2006, incorporated a company and set up a factory in Jamhuri Park to make the products.

“The tent may be regarded in many parts of the world simply as a camping accessory, but in Africa it has a history of its own; evolving from the days of the early explorers they now provide luxury accommodation for adventurers wish-

ing to recapture the spirit of a bygone age,” said Mr McIntyre.

East African Canvas tents are hand-made – each with varying thickness to sustain different climates, both locally and internationally.

The firm designs tents for all sea-sons and purposes, from luxury camp-ing, open marquees and tents for mili-

tary specifications. All metal tubing and frameworks are treated to prevent rust, corrosion and mildew.

“A customised tent will provide a spectacular and visually stunning impression wherever it is mounted,” added Mr McIntyre. Business for the two individuals looks set for better times as camping in Kenya grows to become a favoured pastime activity for people looking for outdoor adventure or some-thing different from visiting beaches and high-end hotels.

In Naivasha for instance, fun lovers flock camping sites like Camp Carnel-ley’s Fisherman’s Camp, Burch’s Marina Camp and Crayfish Camp.

Camping sites in Sagana, Nakuru and Nanyuki are also popular with both domestic and international tourists.

Locally, East African Canvas Com-pany competes with the likes of Kenya Tents Company, Tarpo Industries and ABC Tents.

Despite this formidable opposi-tion, they have managed to secure an impressive client list which includes; Abercrombie and Kent, Conscorp Af-rica Fairmont Hotels and Governors Camp. Others are Sarova Hotels, Ser-ena Hotels, Somak Lodges and the Heritage Group.

The pai≥ that tented itself into big business

East African Canvas Company Limited officials receive their award from Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning Ann Waiguru (left) during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies gala night at the Carnivore on 11th October. DIANA NGILA

8 |

Kenya Highland Seed Company LimitedSanam Building, Godown N 2, Off Enterprise RdPo Box 63879-00619, Nairobi Kenya

Tel 652 029 - 652 030- 020 356 27 000734 257 635 - 0725 549 997Fax +254 20 240 32 14

FOR CONSISTENT SUPPLY OF QUALITY SEEDS

IXThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY


X BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 201310 |

Digital City Limited officials receive their award from Nation Media Group CEO Linus Gitahi (centre) during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night at the Carnivore on 11th October, 2013. The compa-ny was ranked third in the survey. DIANA NGILA

INDUSTRY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

3 DIGITAL CITY LTD

BY NEIL PATEL

As the old adage goes, the grass always looks greener on the oth-er side. People see others making tones of money in the world of enterprise and think they could follow suit. Lucrative businesses are making people millions of dollars, but it is probably doing that for less than 0.3 percent of the people in that industry.

So before you decide to jump ship and get into a new career, just think about all the things you will be losing out on. Yes you may make some extra income in the short term, but if you put that time and energy into grow-ing what you’re already good at and love, you’ll do a lot better.

If you want to make a ton of money in business, follow these principles:

Focus on what you knowIf you’re really good at

something, focus on it. Don’t stray away from it. Just do that and become the leader in your space. If you don’t think you can make enough money focusing on what you’re good at, then fig-

ure out what related businesses you can get into.

Business development is the quickest way to grow

If you put me in a room with a thousand people and you asked me to close a deal with all of them, the chances are I’ll fail. But if you put me in a room with one person and ask me to close a deal with him, there is a good chance I’ll be able to do so.

I’m a big believer that it’s easier to convince one person to work with you than it is to convince thousands of people.

Grow your network wisely

It’s hard to put a value on net-working, but it can really help your business as long as you have a strong network. Networking with people who can’t provide any value to you or your busi-ness is fine in small doses, but it can turn into a huge waste of time because those people won’t provide you with a good return on investment.

Build up your personal brand

Building up your business

should always be your No. 1 ob-jective, but your No. 2 objective should be to build your personal brand. You can make millions without building up your per-sonal brand, but it doesn’t hurt to have a strong one.

Expand when your growth rate flattens

It’s always fun to start new businesses – especially if you have ADHD like me – but that doesn’t mean you should. If your current business is growing at a healthy pace, there is no rea-son to expand your business into new verticals. If you decide to ex-pand your business, make sure you don’t neglect your current business and customers.

ConclusionDon’t get caught up in busi-

nesses that are sexy and hot – fo-cus on what you know. If you are passionate and knowledgeable about a specific subject, you can make money at it. You just have to get creative.Patel is a serial entrepreneur that blogs about business at Quick Sprout and is the co-founder of KISSmetrics.

In business, always focuson what you’≥e good at

XIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY

INDUSTRY

CONSTRUCTION

4 PLENSER LIMITED

BY GEORGE OMONDI

When directors of Plenser Limited hatched a plan to formally incorporate a family business of five years in March 2001, it was a well-crafted strategy to sharpen the firm’s horns and enable it compete better for contracts in the marketplace.

A limited liability company with an identity of its own would be better placed to clinch contracts than a family outfit that was initially built on personal sav-ings, the directors argued.

“The objective of the business was to undertake repair and maintenance of steam and hot water boilers as well as related mechanical installations to the industrial and commercial sectors,” said the firm’s managing director Mo-ses Kamau.

Formal incorporation enabled the firm to diversify into related fields of specialised engineering services, slowly building reputation in hazardous waste management, industrial heating technol-

ogy and interior designs.Plenser acquired its sheen 10 years

later following the formation of the Na-tional Construction Authority (NCA) to regulate the industry.

It was after the registration and pre-qualification by NCA that Plenser began to flex its muscles in the building and construction, waste incinerators, roads

upgrading and boiler installation rak-ing in enough revenue to enable it enter the league of Kenya’s fastest growing medium-sized companies.

It finished in position four during this year’s Kenya Top 100 Competition. “Ranking as the fourth-best medium-sized firm has challenged us to up our game even as we begin to expand to other

East African markets,” said the firm’s fi-nance and administration manager, Shelmith Chabi.

To its top managers, the top-10 rank-ing marks the biggest endorsement of their gamble into more product lines, a strategy that they say has paid off big time.

In 2008, Plenser was signed up for sole

Africa Agency by Todaysure Mathews of the United Kingdom, a world-renowned manufacturer of waste incinerators.

The deal allows Plenser to manufac-ture smaller Surefire waste incinera-tors under licence at its newly acquired premises along North Airport Road.

Mr Kamau said the firm has sup-plied, installed and commissioned over 20 ultra-modern, smokeless and odour-less waste incinerators since it clinched the deal.

His list of clients include reputable organisations keen on environmen-tal protection like hospitals, research centres, manufacturing industries and mining firms.

“The focus was to provide custom-ers with quality products, professional and quality services delivered on time, every time. This enabled us to stand out amongst the competition,” said Mr Kamau. It was by listening to customers that the firm diversified into building and interior finishes, he said.

But the growth has not come easy. From the very beginning, the firm’s direc-tors knew they had to maintain high level of professionalism through recruitment of qualified technical personnel like engi-neers, specialised diploma-level techni-cians and top grade artisans.

Family fi≥m ≥eaps the benefits of inco≥po≥ation

Plenser Limited staff pose for a photo after receiving an award from NMG chief executive Linus Gitahi (second left) during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies gala night. The company was ranked fourth . DIANA NGILA


XII BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

‘Compete with yourself, not others. If you start looking at others, it will only slow you down’CHINTAN THACKER, MD- VIVEK INVESTMENTS LTD.

It is no mean feat for any company to be named in the Top 100 mid-sized companies in Kenya, especially when being surveyed by a reputable firm such as KPMG. This spells volumes for Vivek Investments Ltd. “Being recognized as one of the Top 100 Midsized Companies certainly means that the way our business was conducted and the strate-gies deployed, were correct and worked well for us. “We are on the right path,” says Mr. Thacker. These are vital signs that their business model is on the right path. Asked to comment further, Mr Thacker says that the award brings in a burst of satisfaction, confidence and hopes to perform even bet-ter in the next year. I would like to thank Mr.Bharat Thacker and Mr. Mohan Galot for all the support and encouragement they have offered to us to be at this stage today.

Mr Bharat Thacker, Group Chairman, established Vivek Investments Ltd, in 1994 has tirelessly worked over the years to create a solid base and has continuously improved on it through innovative business processes. The company is now under the able leadership of Mr Chintan Thacker, Managing Director, who has brought into the company new business ideas and systems geared towards diversification of new business and internal operations; while expanding market share within the East African region.

The company is under the umbrella of Vivek Group of companies that consists

of three other companies namely; Vivek Industries (U) Ltd, Marvel Lifestyle Ltd and Rose Jewellery Co. Vivek Group of compa-nies headquarters is based on Mombasa Road, Nairobi.

The company is the Sole Distributor of “VINOD” range of stainless steel Products for the East African Market and has an item range of over 500 items. Vivek In-vestments Ltd also imports and distributes an extensive array of PVC Floral Carpets, Household Furniture and Glass bottles. Vi-vek Investments Limited also recently ven-tured into manufacturing of a wide range of OTC Pharmaceutical items and home-care products which are manufactured and marketed under the successful brand name “VIVEK” and “Nakumatt Blue Label”.

Their sister companies under the Vivek Group, include Marvel Lifestyle Ltd; which is in the manufacturing of customized win-dow blinds, curtain rods and tracks. Rose Jewellery Co. is into branded fine jewellery. Vivek Investments Ltd’s sister company in Uganda, Vivek Industries U Ltd is also ac-tive in the distribution of the vast product range in the Ugandan Market.

It is part of Vivek Group’s market expan-sion plans to open country offices in Rwan-da and Tanzania. This will enable it to offer reasonably priced and quality products in the complete East African region.

The company made it to the top par-ticularly due to the MD’s unique ideology of continuous internal improvement. “We believe in competing with our selves and not with others, Our quest for continuous internal improvement allows us to outper-form our own self and attain growth.” Mr Thacker states. Continuous internal im-provement has given Vivek Investments an upper-hand to attain growth. Another plus for the company was their high quality and wide product range at the best value with good customer service. Add to these, their

diversification of business from trading to manufacturing and market expansion to upcountry and exports markets. The company worked as a team and outdid themselves.

Their top quality products are custom-ised to serve a specific utility. They also come with a modern design to show and definitely good quality to last. This has

East Africa’s leading household consumer goods manufacturer and distributor, Vivek Investments

Ltd has scooped it big in this year’s Top 100 Midsized companies. This saw them emerge among the top 10, which too came as a surprise for them. “We always knew we could make it in the TOP 100 list but never knew we would be so close to Number One this soon.” Says Mr Chintan Thacker – Managing Director. The company had worked extremely hard throughout the year to perform and attain targets out of the ordinary that may have looked impossible in the beginning.

Continuous Innovation Sees Vivek Investments Ltd Amongst Top 10

By MILLICENT MWOLOLO >>> [email protected]



about 24 full-time employees and was only into importation and distribution of stainless steel kitchenware products, furniture and PVC flooring; while using a storage space of approximately 6,500 Sq feet. Come 2011 and the company had 36 full-time staff with the introduction of the OTC Pharma manufacturing unit totaling to 13,000 sq feet of storage and manufactur-ing area. The number of full time staff grew to 50 with the addition of a Home-care products manufacturing factory using a total of approximately 18,000 sq feet of manufacturing and storage space. Today, the company has 65 full-time employees using approximately 20,000 sq feet of manufacturing and storage space.

Vivek Investments Ltd projects future growth in quality, product range and a wider market reach. The company is in the process of achieving ISO 9001:2008 certification. In addition, they are also in the process of opening sales depots in vari-ous upcountry towns. To grow within the East African niche markets, the company is expanding their offices in Kampala-Uganda. This will allow them to reach the masses more efficiently and even reach higher tar-gets and achieve a consistent growth.

Plans are underway to introduce a new brand in their Homecare range of products

Bharat Thacker, Chairman, Vivek Group. CHARLES KAMAU

Chintan Thacker, Managing Director, Vivek Investments Ltd. CHARLES KAMAU

come 2014. With all those plans in the works, it is clear that Vivek Investments Ltd is continuously innovating themselves, which is a key ingredient for any company eyeing growth and keen to retain its mar-ket relevance with expansion. Their mantra speaks for itself – ‘Compete with yourself, not others. If you start looking at others, it will only slow you down’ – Chintan Thacker, MD- Vivek Investments Ltd.

won them many clients and opened up new markets. This has seen the company consistently record an annual growth rate of between 40 per cent and 50 per cent an-nually since 2009. The company plans to be consistent and to grow the same way in the current financial year of 2013.

Vivek Investments Ltd has no doubt grown in leaps to the giant company that we have today. In 2010 the company had

12 |

XIIIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY


XIV BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

Property developer thrives on innovation and trustBy EVANS ONGWAE >>> [email protected]



The proverb, ‘the proof of the pudding is in the eating’, echoes the experience of customers

who have bought houses from Chig-well Holdings Limited. After buying a single unit, many have gone on to buy more for self or relatives while others have urged friends to invest in the at-tractive properties.

As Steve Kuta, Marketing Man-ager of Chigwell notes, it is all about high levels of credibility that have seen customers spread the good word about the firm’s projects. “It is about backing up what we say with actions and ensuring that we deliver our promises,” he explained why Chigwell has excelled since its establishment in 2005 to win rec-ognition as one of Kenya’s fastest growing mid-size companies.

He adds that Chigwell thrives on professionalism in the way it con-ducts business with its customers and partners.

“Chigwell is a good, trusted brand in the homes development arena,” he added, noting that the firm consis-

tently exceeds client expectations.Mr. Palkesh Shah, one of the firm’s

directors says to achieve all this, Chigwell conducts market research on any new project.

It undertakes due diligence through its panel of legal, planning & surveying advisers to ensure that first, the land it is buying for real estate development has a genuine Title Deed and in-depth planning employed thereon.

The next step is product research whereby the firm presents to pro-spective buyers the design of its new project and takes in their feedback.

Mr. Shah adds that the use of in-novative, quality raw materials and designs have also contributed to delighting home buyers.

Further, Chigwell cultivates per-sonalized, one-to-one ties with cus-tomers. “Buyers are free to visit their offices even without an appointment where they are sure of receiving personalized attention” he said dur-ing an interview at the firm’s head office in Westlands. “The relationship

starts from the enquiries stage and never ends.”

He says being listed among the Top 100 mid-sized firms in Kenya in 2013 is a great honour that “reinforces our success. Being recognized is impor-tant to us as it is a strong endorse-ment for our brand.”

Established in 2005, Chigwell started by developing Phenom Es-tate in Nairobi’s Lang’ata area. The

project that has reached Phase IV that comprises 88 units is already 96 per cent sold and the developer is in the process of handing over the houses. Also, a commercial segment of the project that comprises 12 shops is fully sold and handing over is in progress.

Phenom phases I, II and III com-prising a total of 255 units respec-tively are fully sold and occupied.

Within Phenom Estate, the devel-oper has put up additional communal facilities that include a 120-seater auditorium, a clubhouse, swimming pool as well as basketball/tennis court.

Mr. Kuta reveals that Chigwell launched Phenom Park in August. This is an extension of Phenom Estate and will be overlooking the Nairobi National Park.

“It is uniquely designed,” he ex-plained, saying this will comprise triple-storey, semi-detached town houses that will include an open roof terrace. Construction is ongoing and will be completed by November 2014. “75 per cent of the units have already been sold.”

Chigwell’s second project is dubbed Sidai Village and comprises 127 units. In this project, only 14 units are available for sale.

The Nairobi-based real estate de-veloper has also invested in land to develop houses in Limuru.

The future, according to Mr. Shah, is promising and Chigwell eyes at-taining Club 101 status by 2014.

Chigwell Holdings Ltd Director Mr. Palkesh Shah (left), Marketing Manager Mr. Steve Kuta (2nd Left), Finance Controller Mrs. Shilpa Pattni (right) and Projects Manager Mr. Albert Wafula (2nd right) receiving the award from Nikki Summers of Sage Pastel (centre).

14 |

XVThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY

INDUSTRY

SUPPLIES OF MACHINERY

5 ALLWIN AGENCIES (K) LTD

BY GEOFFREY IRUNGU

Saji Kuriakhose feels uneasy when-ever he sees a poorly packaged loaf of bread, bar soap, packet of rice, cake or any other consumer item.

He sees in the poor packaging missed sales opportunities for the producer, no matter the quality of the product.

Eight years ago he decided to start a business for supplying packaging machines to manufacturers, which he named Allwin Agencies Kenya Ltd.

The start-up has grown into a

multi-million shilling concern that was ranked number five in this year’s Top 100 Small and Medium-Sized En-terprises (SME) survey that attracted 270 applicants.

“What inspired me is the number of products and brands you find in the super market shelves. Eight years ago, they were 80 per cent imported and 20 per cent locally made. I thought it ought to be the other way round, 80 per cent locally made and 20 per cent imported. While discussing this with many people, I realised that one of the main problems was the availability and accessibility of packaging machines. Even what was available was exorbi-tantly over-priced,” said Mr Kuriakhose in a recent interview.

Allwin Agencies, of which he is the chairman and CEO, began operations in 2004 by sourcing and supplying hand-sealing machines steadily ex-panding to the present operation that

supplies a wide range of both light and heavy duty packaging machines.

Mr Kuriakhose’s observation is that people get attracted to a new product or brand mainly based on its appear-ance. Unless the packaging is right, even properly made goods may fail to reach their target market.

“You cannot export and compete

with foreign products without quality packaging even if your product is excel-lent. This inspired me to start supply-ing the packaging machines to the local industries,” said Mr Kuriakhose.

One way to make the local products sell more than the foreign products was by ensuring they look appealing.

Allwin Agencies supplies more than

200 different types of packaging ma-chines and materials to satisfy a wide range of manufacturing industries in eastern and central Africa.

The company also sells a range of coding machines from the very basic and low cost to highly advanced ink jet printers.

With business expanding every year, Mr Kuriakhose said he expected that the firm would hit the Sh1 billion turnover mark in the next three years. “Yes, we will definitely join Club-101 in the next three years,” he said, referring to the graduation mark for Top 100 participants whose turnover exceed Sh1 billion.

Presently Allwin Agencies employs 25 people, which Mr Kuriakhose said is set to increase to about 40 by next year.

The company’s target is to be a one-stop shop for all packaging machine and material requirements. The firm’s success is built on the ability to culti-vate a loyal customer base.

Mr Kuriakhose says customers also expect after-sales support, technical advice and spare parts back-up, all of which his company provides.

“We also train the customers’ op-erators on how to use the machines ef-ficiently. We give free technical advice to people who want to start some kind of processing and packing business, even if they do not buy the machines from us,” said Mr Kuriakhose.

Fi≥m finds niche d≥essing p≥oducts fo≥ savvy buye≥s

Allwin Agencies (Kenya) Limited officials receive their award from KPMG East Africa chief executive Josphat Mwaura (right) after the firm emerged fifth during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night at the Carnivore on 11th October, 2013. DIANA NGILA


XVI BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 201316 |

Directors of Propack Kenya Limited, which was ranked sixth in the 2013 Top 100 survey, receive their prize from KPMG East Africa chief executive Josphat Mwaura (right) and NMG chief executive Linus Gitahi (second left). DIANA NGILA


6 PROPACK KENYA LTD

Directors of Vivek Investments Limited, which emerged seventh during the 2013 Top 100 Mid-sized Companies survey, receive their trophy from Nation Media Group chief executive Linus Gitahi (right). DIANA NGILA

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

7 VIVEK INVESTMENTS LTD

XVIIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY | 17BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

BY HERBLING DAVID

The brainchild of Lenny Nganga, George Wanjohi, Frank Maina and Sammy Thuo, Saracen Media was founded in 2002 by the four partners who quit their jobs to start their own media business.

After years of steady growth, the media services firm last year grossed a turnover of more than Sh1 billion, ef-fectively graduating to Kenya Top 100’s Club 101.

This was no mean feat for a firm that the partners had to build from scratch and which finished in posi-tion 17 in the inaugural 2008 Top 100 Mid-sized companies survey. Evidence of the tough climb to the top lies in the fact that the company finished in positions 42 and 31 in the two subse-quent years before graduating to the billionaires’ club this year.

“The name Saracen was chosen from historical annals that docu-mented the unconventional mode of warfare the Saracens waged in 10th Century AD. This is because we had set out to challenge the status quo,” said Mr Nganga.

“Our core business is communica-tions planning with a bias towards

media planning and buying.”

Interestingly, al-most all the founders were top executives at multinational marketing and

public relations agencies who didn’t allow the comfort and trappings of a well-paying job to stand in the way of entrepreneurship.

Mr Nganga was the managing di-rector at McCann East Africa; Mr Thuo and Mr Maina were media manager and media director respectively at the same firm while Mr Wanjohi was MD of TBWA Uganda.

“The first challenge we encountered was in the fact that though we had left high profile jobs in advertising there was no trust in the new company among clients, getting credit terms from media owners was difficult. Cli-ents we had been dealing with just a month before would not take our new company seriously,”

Mr Nganga, however, vividly re-members how Saracen pitched for a job at Stanbic Bank in January 2003,

barely four months into business and won the deal. In July that year, Saracen signed its first multi-country client iWayAfrica, handling the IT firm’s communications planning in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola and Nigeria.

Better things were yet to come Sara-cen’s way, and in June 2006 the start-up bagged KCB Bank and was responsible for the lender’s media planning and buying across East Africa. Mr Nganga

says the company plans to move into the digital space, especially digital media communications planning, to keep up with current trends where more and more people are consuming information from online sources.

“We plan to diversify our specialisa-tion portfolio into areas of digital.”

Saracen, which opened shop in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania in December 2011, further plans to venture and cover the entire East African Community bloc.

Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning Ann Waiguru (left) and Nation Media Group CEO Linus Gitahi award Saracen Media Limited director Sammy Thuo for getting into Club 101 during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night at Carnivore on 11th October. Looking on is Saracen Media Director Lenny Ng’ang’a. DIANA NGILA

Sa≥acen uses unique ‘wa≥fa≥e’ tactics to join billionai≥es club

First and foremost, and on behalf of JUBILEE JUMBO HARDWARE LTD, I Mr. Indravadan Patel as the Director would like to thank The Most High for His never-ending Grace, Mercy, and Provision during what ended up being one of the greatest achievement of the time. To be considered for Graduation to the “Club 101” is a great honor and a privilege, so thank you so much.

Next, I would like to thank my truly outstanding Customers and Suppliers, whose business relationship have been glowing day by day to enable us reach this far, and to the amazing staff who have also lended hands here and there I thank you. It has always been a pleasure coming to work every day with such lovely and engaging people. To my fellow nominees, I appreciate you.

Last and definitely not least, thank you for believing in us as Jubilee. For those who have supported me since I started this business, you all know who you are, and I am truly grateful for all you have done, and this is my humble gratitude. Be blessed.

Mr. Indravadan Patel receiving the AWARD for graduating to the Club 101, from devolution Cabinet Secretary, Ms. Ann Waiguru.

XVIII BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 201318 |

INDUSTRY ENERGY

8 POWER POINT SYSTEMS (EA) LTD

BY CHARLES MWANIKI

Though the huge proportion of East Africa’s population that lives off the electricity grid has been a dark spot on the region’s journey to economic pros-perity, one firm did identify the silver lining around it – growing a sustain-able business that now stands among Kenya’s finest.

Powerpoint Systems (EA), a sup-plier of renewable energy technology firm, has for the second year running finished among the top 10 firms during this year’s Kenya Top100 medium-sized companies survey.

The company was ranked ninth overall in the competition that is spon-sored by consultancy firm KPMG and the Business Daily, a publication of the Nation Media Group.

Founders of the company say the quest for renewable energy by private firms and the public sector has offered it a chance to carve a niche in the mar-ketplace.

Powerpoint has been expanding its reach in the wider Eastern Af-rica through its solar lighting pro-gramme.

“The company is 10 years old thus it has a lot of experience in the renew-able energy market. Dealing in quality products and offering solutions that meet the customers’ expectations has been key towards the good perform-ance,” said the firm’s general manager Stanley Ngatia in a recent interview.

Powerpoint is a provider of solar panels, inverters, solar water heaters, power generators, wind generators,

voltage stabilisers, water pumps, bat-teries, solar lights, and solar charge controller systems.

The break into the league of top 10 firms in the competition has not been an easy one for Powerpoint Systems, having first finished in position 96 in its maiden appearance.

Mr Ngatia says participation in the Top 100 competition has helped the company to benchmark its perform-ance against other SMEs, describing it as a form of peer review that drives the quest for growth.

According to Mr Ngatia, the experi-

ence gained during the company’s 10 year existence has helped it to man-age an expansion drive that has seen it establish presence in seven Eastern African countries.

“Powerpoint has an office in Ugan-da, which has been in operation for the past one year. We have also undertaken projects in Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanza-nia and Southern Sudan. We expect to grow the Uganda subsidiary so as to serve the rest of the region from a strategic point,” said Mr Ngatia.

Powerpoint was founded by its current director and chief executive

Cosmas Musyoki in 2002 as a part-time venture to distribute Sollatek power products.

Mr Musyoki initially started with a capital of Sh500,000 and a single staff member.

In 2007 it ventured into contracts with both the government and non- governmental organisations in renew-able energy projects, thus gaining a platform on which to launch solar en-ergy programmes.

The company has since grown into a major player in the energy industry, recording annual turnover of more than Sh250 million, and employing more than 30 people and 100 distribu-tors across the country.

Mr Ngatia says the company expects to increase its sales turnover by 40 per cent though doubling power back up and solar water heating installations in the next one year.

PowerPoint aims to cross the Sh1 billion annual turnover mark in the next two years mainly through target-ed marketing of its products to middle level income earners.

The company has also been part-nering with both the government and private sectors in solar installations, es-pecially in the north of the country.

Among the projects it has success-fully undertaken include solar street lighting in Narok, off-grid power pro-vision and solar powered water pump-ing in Turkana.

Ente≥p≥ise that shed light into Kenya’s da≥kness

Powerpoint Systems East Africa Limited staff receive their award from Mr Josphat Mwaura (second right), KPMG East Africa chief executive, during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night. The firm was ranked eighth in the survey. DIANA NGILA

DEVKI GROUP

CONGRATULATESJUBILEE JUMBO HARDWARE

FOR GRADUATING TO CLUB 101

We are proud to be associated with you

XIXThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY


XX BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013


9 CONINX INDUSTRIES LTD

BY NEVILLE OTUKI

Ashit Shah was only 21 when he quit his job after a three-year stint as an ac-countant to venture into the world of enterprise.

The young Shah believes that is where his eureka moment lay, not in employment.

Two decades later, Coninx Industries Limited, the firm he founded, has broken into an elite club Kenya’s fastest growing mid-sized companies.

The annual survey that is co-spon-sored by the Nation Media Group and consultancy firm KPMG saw Coninx move five positions up the ranking list to finish as the ninth fastest-growing me-dium-sized company in 2013.

Last year, when the firm made its debut in the annual competition, it ranked 14.

Mr Shah says plans are afoot to con-struct a larger plant on a four acre parcel of land in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, as part

of the plan to expand the company.“This will give us the freedom to ex-

pand our horizons and be in a better po-sition to compete with more technically equipped foreign players,” he said.

The firm manufacturers PVC flex-ible hoses, plastic gutters, pipe fittings and PPR pipe fittings, popularly used for plumbing and irrigation.

“I only had one machine and a pick-

up when I started this business,” the 45 years old entrepreneur says of the busi-ness when it started in 1989.

Then, his elder brother was running a hardware shop on Biashara Street in

Nairobi’s central business district.Young and in a well-paying job he still

felt he wanted something different.“I had this burning passion to be

an industrialist,” the father of two says adding that the urge is what drove him into producing plastic products that his brother used to import for sale.

Before he quit his job, Mr Shah took his time to study the industry’s ‘nuts and bolts’ as he puts it.

Next, he dug into family savings and acquired a Sh2 million extruder machine from Germany bringing to life the busi-ness of manufacturing hose pipes at a small scale.

Raw materials came from China and Thailand.

The company soon added pipe fittings to its list after acquiring a moulding ma-chine that manufactures a wide range of plastic products.

“It has been one step after another thereafter,” he says.

The company initially had six em-ployees who operated at his former rented premises on Nairobi’s Lunga Lunga Road.

Like many struggling start-ups, it took five years for the entrepreneur to find a footing in the sector.

Coninx scales the ladde≥ of manufactu≥ing

Coninx Industries Limited staff receive an award from NMG chief executive Linus Gitahi (second right) during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night . The firm was ninth in the survey. On the left is Josphat Mwaura, KPMG East Africa CEO. DIANA NGILA

20 |

XXIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY | 21BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

INDUSTRY PHARMACEUTICALS

10 SYNERMEDICA PHARAMACEUTICALS (KENYA)

BY SANDRA CHAO

Since it was founded, Syner-medica Pharmaceuticals Lim-ited has set for itself the goal of transforming Kenya’s health-care system through access to quality and timely health services.

Though slightly new in the pharmaceutical industry, its sister company SynerMed has been operational for more than 10 years.

Synermedica Pharmaceu-ticals’ appearance among Kenya’s 10 fastest growing Medium-sized companies in their maiden participation in the annual survey is proof that their business model of in-creasing access to medicines, diagnostics and healthcare is successful.

The company’s managing director, T. S Viswanathan, says the outcome of the survey will go a long way in ensuring that medicine is brought closer to those who need it.

“Last year we were not quite confident about participating as Synermedica though our sister company SynerMed took part. We are elated by our listing among the top 10 mid-sized companies as it is not something you expect with first entry,” he said.

In 1997, Dipak Bhatti the chairman of the two compa-nies ventured into the world of medical supplies armed with only Sh100,000 to set up SynerMed, whose corporate of-fice is now located in the United Kingdom.

Mr Bhatti’s venture was built on the desire to offer efficient and affordable pharmaceuti-cal solutions aiming to coun-ter the rising incidence of trade in counterfeit drugs in the Ken-yan market.

It is the substantial growth of SynerMed over the years that led to the birth of Syner-

D≥ugs ma≥kete≥ makes its ma≥k on healthca≥e

Synermedica (Kenya) Limited officials receive their award after the firm emerged tenth overall during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night at the Carnivore in Nairobi. DIANA NGILA

medica, he says. At the moment the company only operates in Kenya, where it works mainly with doctors who prescribe the drugs and therapies it supplies. Synermedica’s products range from the analgesic and anti-in-flammatory drugs to antiretro-viral, nutritional supplements and drugs that inhibit and kill microorganisms.

Like most companies in the

medical supplies industry, se-curing capital from financial institutions has been a great challenge for Synermedica due to the high risk and cost of operations involved. “The list-ing has helped improve our image with our stakeholders as well as boosted our credit with financiers enabling us to better improve our services and embark on our expansion

plans,” Mr Viswanathan said. He said that the company has been witnessing a gross profit growth of between 24 and 25 per cent in the past three years with the bottom line growth averaging 10 per cent.

While Synermedica grew steadily last year, all projec-tions indicated that the com-pany would grow by a further 30 per cent by the close of the

year. The medical supplies com-pany is seeking to expand its op-erations to Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria and Zambia to spread the gospel of access to qual-ity medicines throughout the continent. “We are seeking to move to Tanzania first because the country has less restrictions for prescription-based drugs that are our main focus on,” added Mr Viswanathan.

XXII BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 201322 |

General Manager Rohan Nonis says this has been possible because the fi rm has remained true to its motto, “luxury aff ordable to all” and this explains why currently demand for its foam products surpasses supply. “Our market share in East Africa is at about 40 per cent,” he explained.

He explained that the fi rm founded in 1980 has managed to maintain fair prices on account of its raw material buying power that enables it to negotiate with its suppliers for discounts.

In many aspects, with its emphasis on innovation and quality, Foam Mattress is a trailblazer especially in the mattress manufacturing sub-sector. It was the fi rst to start production of memory foam mattresses. Currently it is the only foam manufacturer that locally produces memory foam mattresses in East and

Central Africa. The fi rm has invested in the latest state-

of-the-art foam manufacturing technology (one of its kind in East Africa) and through scientifi c analysis and durability testing equipped with a fully-fl edged foam quality checking and testing laboratory. Memory foam mattresses are a recent innovation in the industry that off ers the highest standards of comfort.

Foam Mattress Limited has a modern fl eet of over 80 vehicles for delivery of its products to any part of the country, ensuring that customers are able to access products within easy reach.

The fi rm now produces mattress cover fabrics locally, thus reducing cost of production to make its products aff ordable and save the country valuable foreign exchange.

With its large manufacturing plants

in Kisumu and Athi River, Kenya, Foam Mattress Limited supplies ‘TUFFOAM’ mattresses to other East African Community member states, the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa.

These include Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, Southern Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and, lately, South Africa. To meet growing demand for its products, the company has laid the foundations to build another manufacturing plant in Mombasa and the second plant in Uganda.

The company was founded by Mr. Jithendra M Patel, who is the current Managing Director, and Mr. Surendra M. Patel, Director, both stationed in Kisumu and Mr. Smikal Patel Director who is based in Athi River.

The fi rm’s directors and management

The directors, management and staff of Foam Mattress Limited have always known that they have

always been doing something right. The high demand for the fi rm’s mattresses, cushions and foam sheets is proof that customers trust the quality they get. But what affi rmed this was a third party survey that found out that Foam Mattress surpassed the Top 100 mid-sized companies’ category ages ago: it belongs to Club 101.

Foam Mattress eases its way to top league with 40pc marketshare in East Africa




Foam Mattress Limited Director Smikal Patel being crowned club 101.

have ensured its vision of being outstanding is fully actualised through a focus on environmental stewardship, activities to benefi t society and a commitment to build stakeholder value by making ‘TUFFOAM’ a household name, not only in Kenya but the entire African continent.

‘TUFFOAM’ products are targeted at consumers across the socio-economic scale from the bottom end to the top end markets. This has resulted in the company achieving a considerably large annual turnover and a larger market share for their.

Foam Mattress Limited’s current growth is over 15% annually and at this rate in few years ‘TUFFOAM’ will be the strongest household name in Kenya and East Africa.

Consistently ranked as one of the top bedding manufacturers in East and Central Africa under the brand name ‘TUFFOAM’, Foam Mattress was awarded ‘Superbrand’ status.

Foam Mattress Limited has newly started their non -woven fabric division helping to minimise the polythene use of the country, thereby enhancing a greener environment.

They have ventured into manufacture of Memory Foam being the fi rst ever Memory Foam Manufacturer in East and Central Africa, and recently developed a Memory Foam Magnetic Pillow which has combined the use of the magnetic therapy that comes from the powerful Gauss magnets cleverly positioned to the top of the pillow that emit a magnetic force fi eld to your head therefore ensuring you have a more comfortable night’s sleep and also treating problems like neck discomfort or sinus congestion.

!

PHOT

OS

| CH

AR

LES

KA

MA

U

XXIIIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY | 23BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

They manufacture all foam and bedding products, namely:- foam mattresses, foam sheets, foam cushions, foam pillows, fibre pillows, re-bonded sheets and cushions, orthopaedic mattresses, luxury quilted foam mattresses and all other foam and bedding products.

They design their products to contour to the body shape thus all pressure points of the body are well supported.

All TUFFOAM mattresses and cushions undergo quality inspec-tion at all stages.

The firm, whose products carry the mandatory KEBS compliance certificate, offers five densities of foam mattresses to choose from based a customer’s budget.

Light Duty (Low Density) Mat-tress is the low-cost product - not because of low quality but due to limited characteristics of the Foam. Blue Plain Covered Mattress is an

inexpensive mattress. It consists of a medium density foam core with blue plain cover to be cost-effective and to deliver high comfort at the same time.

Deluxe Quilted Mattress Medium density foam core With a Printed Polyester silk quilted cover with a tape edge finish to add luxu-ry and more comfort.

High Density Quilted Mattress consists of a high density mattress core covered with quilted Jacquard Fabric with one inch resilient foam back to add utmost comfort to the user. This mattress is designed to contour to the body shape relieving pressure points and give you the most comfortable sleep one can dream of.

OrthoTuff: This reconstructed Foam Mattress is made especially for people suffering from discom-fort of the back and spinal pain. Most of the orthopaedic Surgeons recommend this mattress. Memory Foam Mattress: This is a

70 density Memory Foam Mattress which is pressure-sensitive and moulds quickly to the shape of the body thus relieving the pressure points of the body.

The firm has ventured also into Bonnel spring and pocket spring mattress, manufacturing Bonnel spring and Pocket spring “Pillow Top” and “Eurotop” mattresses with their own manufactured Memory Foam and Flexible Poly-urethane Foam.

Bonnell Spring Mattress comprises a Bonnell spring unit Upholstered with fine flush knitted or jacquard quilted fabric and flexible foam for a perfect back support and the most luxurious sleep

Other products include:TUFFPLAST - Plastic household Products (buckets, chairs, basins, plates cups and slippers);

TUFFPIPES – High pressure irriga-tion pipes, drainage pipes, waste and sewerage pipes.

TUFFTANK – This is a range of high quality water tanks, industrial wa-ter storage tanks and commercial barrels and jars.

BANCO – These branded qual-ity steel products include quality welded wire mesh, barbwire, chain link fence mesh, wire nails and wheelbarrows.

Foam Mattress Limited is the largest polyurethane foam manufacturer in East Africa. It has manufacturing plants in Kisumu and Athi River

in Kenya, Kampala in Uganda and two factories South Africa.

Quality products from Foam Mattress

The firm, whose products carry the mandatory KEBS compliance certificate, offers five densities of foam mattresses to choose from based a customer’s budget.




!

PHOTOS | CHARLES KAMAU

XXIV BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013


11 COAST INDUSTRIAL AND SAFETY SUPPLIES


12 ISOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES

Founders say the following factors have helped grow the company

Expansion to the regional market Incorporation of more products and

solutions Continous innovation Optimum human capital

management

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

13 WOTECH KENYA LIMITED

Attributes its rapid growth to: Professional and visionary

management Unique high quality products Continuous staff training and aware-

ness

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

14 AVTECH SYSTEMS

Attributes its good fortunes to: Diverse clientele base (all industries)

Good relationship with suppliers (direct manufacturers) to reduce the lead time

Supply of quality goods and profes-sional services

Offering reliable support during and after sales.

INDUSTRY

TRANSPORT

15 KENYA BUS SERVICE

Sees its growth to have been driven by the following factors;

Adherence to ethical behaviour and professionalism

Resilience and confidence of staff and investors in the business model

Use of technology-based revenue tick-eting system

INDUSTRY

CLEARING AND FORWARDING

16 MURANGA FORWARDERS


17 SYNERMED PHARMACEUTICALS (K) LTD

Growth continues to benefit from; Employment of qualified profession-als who update their skills and knowledge regularly through advanced training

Augmenting of product portfolio with more specialized as well as branded qual-ity generic products.

Endorsement by ISO 9001:2008 Cer-tification in 2011 and participation in Top 100 survey

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

18 TISSUE KENYA

The company has grown through Innovation of new products almost

every year. Consistent high quality of finished

product Growth of people and supermarkets,

with more disposable income to spend in these shops

INDUSTRY AGRICULTURE

19 KENYA HIGHLAND SEED CO.

Has benefited from: Improved hybrid seeds Focus on working with small-scale

growers

Avtec Systems team receiving an award from NSE CEO Peter Mwangi (right) during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night at the Carnivore on 11th October, 2013 DIANA NGILA

24 |

XXVThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY | 25BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

XXVI BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION

20 FAMIAR GENERATING SYSTEMS LTD

Attributes its success to: Excellent quality after sales services High quality products Growth in construction sector

INDUSTRY FINANCIAL

21 ALEXANDER FORBES

Has benefited from: Commitment to higher purpose with

strategic clarity on what it stands for Innovation in design and provision of

services Unique holistic approach to servicing

INDUSTRY

SUPPLIES

22 CHEMICALS & SCHOOL SUPPLIES LTD

Sees its growth as benefiting from:

Restructuring of departments to offer clarity

Encouraging employees to openly com-municate with senior staff

Brand development with structured marketing

INDUSTRY

TRAVEL

23 CHARLESTON TRAVEL LIMITED

Attributes advancement to: Being among the Top 100 SMEs ISO certification Strong management team and staff

INDUSTRY

MEDIA

24 ONFON MEDIA

Business is driven by: Innovation: company is continually looking for new products and new ways of doing business .

Listening to customers and partners and adapting its systems to meet their needs.

A collegial management system that empowers staff and spurs creative and critical thinking while maintaining mutual respect for others.

INDUSTRY

CONSTRUCTION

25 ELITE TOOLS

Attributes success to: Product diversification Increased investment to diversify prod-

uct range.

INDUSTRY

INTERIORS

26 EUROCON TILES

INDUSTRY

TOURS AND TRAVEL

27 ENDEVOUR AFRICA LTD

INDUSTRY

CONSTRUCTION

28 RONGAI WORKSHOP AND TRANSPORT LTD

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

29 R & R PLASTICS LTD

Growth is attributed to: Quality products backed by reliable cus-

tomer service.

Development of new and innovative products to meet clients needs and pen-etration of new markets.

Increased focus on East African market.

INDUSTRY

CONSTRUCTION

30 CHIGWELL HOLDINGS LTD

INDUSTRY

CONSTRUCTION

31 CLASSIC MOULDINGS LIMITED

Growth has been driven by: Robust marketing strategies Innovative products

INDUSTRY

TRANSPORT

32 PEWIN CABS LIMITED

Attributes its growth to: Dedicated employees Quality customer service Use of technology in its activities

Rongai Workshop and Transport Limited MD Vanessa Evans (sec-ond left) and her team receive an award from Nikki Summers (centre), Sage Pastel regional manager East Africa, during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night.DIANA NGILA

26 |

HEAD OFFICE3RD Flr, Waumini Hse, West Wing, WestlandsP.0 Box 13475 – 00800 Nairobi, KenyaTel: (254-20)4442909, 4443133/4/5 Fax: (254-20)4446167/4442910 Mob: 0722-200403/0734-600899Email: [email protected], [email protected]

NYERI BRANCH,P.O BOX 288 – 10100,

NyeriKimathi Street, next to Nyeri Catholic Bookshop

[email protected]

OUR VISION

OUR MISSION

OUR PRODUCTS

GENERAL INSURANCE • LIFE & PENSIONS • HEALTH INSURANCE

OUR PRODUCTS

CLAIMS MANAGEMENT • SELECTION OF INSURERS • RISK ASSESSMENT

WAUMINI INSURANCE BROKERS MANAGING DIRECTOR MRS NANCY MURIUKI (CENTRE) AND

STAFF MEMBERS RECEIVE THE TOP 100 AWARD

XXVIIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY


XXVIII BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

INDUSTRY

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

33 NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES EA LTD

Key growth drivers are: Provision of innovative products and

solutions. Delivery of quality and reliable solutions

to the satisfaction of customers. Offering efficient and timely support to

customers

INDUSTRY

TOURISM & TRAVEL

34 XTREME ADVENTURES LIMITED

Growth is linked to: Consistent pricing and provision of

quality services. Professional and friendly customer

service. Robust activity in upstream and down-

stream segments of the travel market.

INDUSTRY

TOURISM & TRAVEL

35 VINTAGE AFRICA

INDUSTRY

CONSTRUCTION

36 PUNJANI ELECTRICAL AND INDUSTRIAL HARDWARE LIMITED

Business has benefited from: Experienced management team that

is focused on high level efficiency and re-sponse to customers needs.

Focus on productivity that is based on

adding value to services.


37 SPRY ENGINEERING

INDUSTRY

TRANSPORT

38 GENERAL CARGO SERVICES LTD

Attributes success to: Well trained personnel that ensures

smooth clearance and delivery of cargo. High quality service at competitive

rates.

INDUSTRY

TOURISM & TRAVEL

39 PINNACLE (K) TRAVEL & SAFARIS

Has benefited from: Consistent deployment of cutting edge technology. Focus on growing corporate sector as well as offering them tailor made travel packages. Staff retention in key operational areas leading to better knowledge of clients.

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

40 PANESAR’S KENYA LTD

Attributes its success to: Development and introduction of

“Sudo” furniture in Kenya -- offering it a niche market.

Targeting the middle class with its products hence popularising the company among a larger segment of the consumer market.

Movement towards ISO certification that has helped attract international cli-ents.

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

41 SPECIALISED ALUMINIUM RENOVATORS LTD

Has benefited from:

Good standards of workmanship Repeat customers Rollout of new products

INDUSTRY

TRANSPORT

42 CUBE MOVERS

Attributes its success to: Offering of consistent service. A growing middle and upper class . Consistent innovation that improves

service delivery.

INDUSTRY

TOURISM & TRAVEL

43 BROGIBRO COMPANY LTD

Key growth drivers are: Differentiation through provision of relevant, timely and affordable services.

Consistent innovation to improve product quality

INDUSTRY

IT

44 TOTAL SOLUTIONS

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

45 TYRE MASTERS LIMITED

Attributes success to: Introduction of new product brands. Increase in the number of vehicles on Kenyan roads. Offering a wide range of products.

INDUSTRY

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

46 XRX TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Key growth drivers are: Retention of skilled and competent

work force Creation of an environment that sup-

ports creativity and innovation Visionary leadership

INDUSTRY

SERVICE

47 SENSATION LTD

See growth as benefiting from: Good and growing economy Growing middle class Offering customers value for money

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

48 EUREKA TECHNICAL SERVICES

Business has benefited from: Provision of safety products and servic-

es that help clients to meet legal and regu-latory requirements such as use of protec-tive clothing and right working tools .

Commitment to policies and proce-dures that offer best services through proper analysis of feedback information from partners.

Commitment to a disciplined code of ethics that ensures transparency and ac-countability in social and economic affairs.

Vintage Africa team receives an award from NSE director Sharon Maviala dur-ing the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night at the Carnivore. DIANA NGILA

28 |

On 18th October 2013 Wotech Kenya Limited was proud to achieve position 13 in the Annual Top 100 Club 2013/14. We owe our success to our hard working and results oriented staffs who have worked tirelessly as a close knit and efficient team. We are also very happy to represent the water sector at this level. In line with this effort and to further our motto “ expert in water solutions” we are also in training to achieve the ISO 9001:2008 QMS in the near future.

CONTACTMpesi Lane, Opp Vision Towers, Next to Smart printers,Coca-Cola

Compound, Muthithi Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya,P.O. Box 14837 – 00800

Tel: +254-20-2507270 , +254-20-3742144Fax: +254-20 444982

Mobile: +254-720-528274, +254-772-428403Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Web: www.wotechkenya.com

XXIXThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY | 29BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

About UsAllwin Agencies (Kenya) Ltd has started in 2004 as a humble busi-ness to supply hand sealing machines. Today we are the largest supplier of packaging machines in East and Cen-tral Africa, supplying more than 200 diff erent types of packaging machines and materials to satisfy a wide range of manufacturing industries.

We also have a range of coding ma-chines from a very basic and low cost to highly advanced ink jet printers.

We want to be the one-stop shop for all your packaging machine and material requirements. Our Success is due to the support of our loyal customers and the excellent product lines from our preferred suppliers. Our machines are carefully sourced and hand-picked from world class manufactures across the globe.

As a team working together we will continue to grow by adding new prod-ucts and expanding into new markets. We can take care of all your pack-aging needs so that you can focus your eff orts on what goes inside the package.

This is based on the range of prod-ucts we source and supply as well as exceptional service, the highest level of packaging expertise and genuine

economic benefi ts to our customers, partners, and shareholders.

Our product line has the biggest collection of packaging machines for power, granule, liquid, cream, box/carton products. From hand operated machines to turn key projects.

We also have a range of small and very economical packaging machines for the small and start up business.

We have a clear understanding that in order to grow with our customers we need to help them grow by provid-ing them with the best products and the best prices. Allwin has become known within the industry for provid-ing quality products as well as out-standing service. We also understand that people do business with people they respect and trust. Our customers have come to know us as a reliable source for their packaging needs and appreciate our integrity

VisionTo be the leading and most admired one-stop packaging and coding solu-tion provider in Africa.

The Vision of Allwin is to be the supplier of choice for all kinds of pack-aging requirements of manufacturing and service Industries.

MissionTo provide the best and cost eff ective packaging solutions to the small me-dium and large scale manufacturing industries.

To bring state of the art packaging technology at aff ordable price and play an important role in bringing the small and medium scale people to the forefront of value addition and manu-facturing.

Our Commitment to the EnvironmentEnvironmental friendly packaging continues to be our primary concern.

We continuously try to bring in

We have a clear understanding that in order to grow with our customers we need to help them grow by providing them with the best

products and the best prices.

How Allwin grew to top machines supplier

We continuously try to bring in more reliable, renewable and recoverable products and solutions that helps ease solid waste by decreasing the need for landfi ll disposal.



more reliable, renewable and recov-erable products and solutions that helps ease solid waste by decreasing the need for landfi ll disposal. We BE-LIEVE very strongly in the conserva-tion of our environment, its resources

and the recycling of as much product as possible. We BELIEVE in living the practice of “reduce”, “reuse”, “recover” and “recycle”. These four practices are at the center of our commitment to a better environment. Wherever possible we endeavor to provide environmentally friendly solu-tions to our customers, whether these are in the form of biodegradable POF, bubble wrap, plastics alternatives and formulas and/or an eff ort to reduce the amount or type of packaging a customer requires... We recognize that protecting the environment is the responsibility of us all.

Our Strength Thorough knowledge and experi-

ence in packaging machines. Highly motivated and skilled em-

ployees and technical staff . Dedicated after sale service sup-

port and spare parts back up.

We are both obligated and desired to develop our employees, meet our customers’ needs, and provide an equitable return to our shareholders. We make every business decision based on how we would want that service provided to ourselves.

Every Allwin employee is expected to commit to our philosophy in the performance of his or her daily tasks.

We will continually improve each area of our business through the creative involvement of our greatest resource, OUR PEOPLE.

Auto Shrink Packing Machines.Cup Sealing machines. Liquid Filling Machines.Form Fill Seal Machines.

Water Purifi cation systems.Milk Packing Machine. Rinsing-Filling-Capping Machines.Labeling Machines.

Some of the Machines available

Allwin Agencies directors Saji Kuriakhose and Sophy Saji receiving the top 100 award (5th position).

XXX BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

Kenya has about a quarter of a million small and medium sized businesses seeking to grow and remain viable in

the long term.Every so often, owners and managers of

these enterprises must go out and look for skilled employees who are trainable and have the right attitude and ethics to work.

Yet every year, the same employees move out to seek what they feel are greener pastures in terms of better remuneration and other em-ployee benefits in larger or well established organizations.

This obviously has rendered SMEs almost perpetual training grounds for the larger com-panies. Employee attrition is the single most important challenge that these companies need to face up to.

ChallengeAttrition rates, particularly in Kenya, are very high and happen among employees across several industries.

Other than home, the only place the em-ployee spends almost half of the 24 hours in a day is the workplace. Thus the biggest chal-lenge that SMEs have is to create an atmos-phere and employee remuneration and ben-efits package that makes employees happy to work and remain there for a long time.

Given the changing demographics of to-day’s employees, there is a need to provide the right incentives for them to increase their productivity and even more impor-tantly, loyalty.

A tried and tested method of employee retention is the provision of a great package of benefits to them. These benefits are non- financial in nature and include a retirement

pension plan, health insurance, life insur-ance and insurance against injury in the line of duty.

Many SMEs, have however, traditionally viewed these financial commitments on be-half of their employees as a cost yet these are the same benefits that would mostly influence an individual’s choice of employer.

Now is the time to wake up and smell the coffee. The employee benefits and SME packages for staff is an investment, a critical competitive edge and most importantly, a key contributor to the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the business.

It is common for companies to compete for young skilled and talented labour but where will the SME gain the edge over a larger com-pany and establish the required longevity of service?

The answer lies in packaging a suitable bundle of benefits for the employees. Fortu-nately, UAP Life Assurance Company has em-braced technology in insurance underwriting and is now able to tailor make specific insur-ance programme for each individual SME.

In addition to giving the owner and man-ager relief from a continuous but expensive hiring and firing exercise, the biggest advan-tage is that the business will gain more pro-ductivity from the staff.

It is with this in mind that the owner or manager can design a growth oriented em-ployee benefits plan which, when shared openly with the staff, will deliver stronger loyalty to the company.

SMEs can make their employees want to come to work and do so for a long time and UAP Life Assurance will be on hand to partner with them to successfully implement it.

SMEs must wake up and smell the employee benefits coffee

SPONSORSPLATFORM

SMEs can make employees want to come to work. FILE

30 |

XXXIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY | 31BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

FCm Travel Solutions (independently owned and operated by Charleston Travel Ltd.) has added to its impressive line-up of

awards after being named Africa’s Leading Business Travel Agency in World Travel Awards in 2013. The award comes right after the com-pany recently emerged as the best company in the Tourism and Travel category in Kenya’s Top 100 Mid-Sized companies. These two awards ce-ment FCm’s position both as a dominant player and market leader in the travel industry locally, regionally and internationally.

helped to raise FCm’s profile across the African continent. This year, FCm has reported elevated levels of enquiry for their services in the mid-to-large market in their African network. The firm is eyeing voluminous growth of regional and multinational business. The company has strong client retention rates and numerous new business wins for their operation East and Cen-tral Africa. ““We’re delighted to be finishing the year off with a World Travel Award, that puts us on the world map”, says Mohammed Wanyoike, CEO FCm Kenya. FCm has a presence in 20 coun-

FCm Travel Solutions named Africa’s Leading Business Travel Agency




Fcm Travel Solutions (Charleston Travel) Staff Receive an Award in the Top100 Mid-size Companies Category on 11th October 2013.

From left: Graham E. Cooke, President & Founder World Travel Awards presents the award for Africa’s Leading Business Travel Agency to Mohammed Wanyoike, CEO FCm Travel Solutions (Charleston Travel Ltd.).

Named the World’s Leading Travel Management Company two years in a row, FCm Travel Solu-tions is a global leader in corporate travel man-agement. FCm Travel Solutions offers award-winning global service, worldwide reach and expert local market knowledge through it’s local exclusive partner Charleston Travel Limited.

Charleston Travel Limited is a Kenyan owned private company, founded in 1990 and head-quartered in Westlands, Nairobi. Ranked the top Travel Management Company in Kenya Charleston Travel Limited is a fully-fledged IATA accredited Travel Agency, a member of Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) as well as Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO).

The award is a recognition to FCm Travel Solu-tions efforts to make a difference and transform the economy, while cementing their position as a dominant player and market leader in the travel industry locally, regionally and internationally.

FCm Travel Solutions has had tremendous growth through the 23 years they have been in business to the current status of Market Leadership in Kenya. The company prides itself in customer satisfaction and quality service delivery, while saving on time and costs for their clientele. Their Head Office is in Westlands while the branch offices are in JKIA, Nairobi CBD retail office, Mombasa and regional offices

in Juba, Southern Sudan, Kigali, Rwanda and Arusha, Tanzania.

As part of their market positioning closer to corporate clientele, the company operates im-plant offices in key strategic locations.

FCm Travel Solutions stands out as the first and only Travel Management Company in Ke-nya to have ISO 9001:2008 Certification. This has enabled them to maintain a consistency of service across all their operations. The company has succeeded in progressively consolidating and growing their market position in the travel industry. At the top management is an effective leadership team with vast experience in differ-ent facets of the industry.

Charleston Travel is looking to expand further in the region into Ethiopia and Somalia over the next three years as it prepares to list at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) within the next five years. In addition, Charleston is also eyeing to be the first local consolidator through deployment of an online platform that will allow servicing of other agencies with the most intui-tive interface and accurate content and part of innovation. “This solution will definitely keep us and our affiliated agencies ahead of the game”, says Hamisi Hassan, Group Managing Director FCm Kenya.

A winning blend of worldwide reach and local market knowledge

FCm Travel Solutions has previ-ously won World Travel Awards in other regional networks including Europe, Middle East, North America, South America, Central America, Australasia and Asia. The company’s newest award follows a year of major growth for FCm’s network in Middle East and Africa.

A combination of strategic network growth and new client acquisition has

��

��

tries across MEA and 84 countries globally.

Dubbed the ‘Oscar’s’ of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards are acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, cel-ebrating those companies, organisa-tions and brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.

Contact us on: D: (+254 20 4266000| Email: [email protected] | ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIEDhttp://www.fcmtravel.co.ke| 4th fl oor Arnold Plaza, Woodvale Grove Westland’s. P.O. Box 11361, GPO 00100, Nairobi

OUR SERVICES• Corporate & Leisure Travel• Inbound and outbound Tours• Hotel reservation and booking• Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Events Management (MICE)• Visa processing and immigration Services• Meet and Assist, Airport Transfers• Student Travel Products (STA Travel)• General Sales Agency and Airline Representation

XXXII BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 201332 |

BY WANGUI MAINA

Twenty thirteen has been a good year for FCm Travel Solutions, previously known as Charleston Travel Limited.On October 16, chief executive Moham-med Wanyoike walked up the podium to pick the Africa’s Leading Business Travel Agency award, at the World Travel Awards – Africa Chapter, held in Nairobi. “This will enhance our profile not only in Kenya but also in the region. We will leverage on this to market ourselves,” said Mr Wan-yoike.The award came barely a week after the travel management company was crowned 23rd at this year’s Business Daily Top 100 Mid-sized companies. Charleston has participated in the survey since its inception six years ago progressing from number 53 in the inaugural event in 2008.

Mr Wanyoike is hoping that the company will graduate to club 101 in the next two years, mainly driven by recent invest-ments in the business and expansion in the region.FCm Travel Solutions is in talks with an eq-uity partner to infuse some capital into the business in a deal that should be complet-

ed by end of the year.For the company 2013 started on a high note for the travel management

company when it signed a partnership with Australian publicly listed travel com-pany FCm Travel Solutions, in January. The partnership led to the rebranding from the popularly known Charleston Travel to FCm Travel Solution.The partnership allowed the local com-pany a wider range of seamless solutions in all countries where FCm is represented, as it boasts a global network extending in

more than 75 countries.Today, the company is looking to increase its footprint in the region and expects the recent award will help it position itself and attract business in the new markets. It signed a partnership with a travel firm in Rwanda in September.One of the markets it’s eyeing is Somalia, to tap into the potential of the country as it emerges from years of strife.In an interview earlier in the year with Business Daily Mr Wanyoike indicated the company is eyeing to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in the next cou-ple of year.

At least 90 per cent of the company’s cli-ents are companies, with a little business coming from leisure retail. The company recently opened a Meet-ings Incentives Conference and Exhibition (MICE) department to tap into the growing conference tourism that is mainly driven by corporate clients. It now wants to offer a one-stop-shop for clients attending con-ferences or exhibitions.As part of restructuring business to offer clients better services and in preparing for expansion into the region, the original shareholders, who include Mr Wanyoike, Hamisi Hassan and Charles Gikundi, have

ceded 10 per cent stake to top firm man-agers.Mr Wanyoike bought the company in 2003 from Mr Gikundi who was running it as a one-man show. In the ten years since tak-ing over Charleston, Mr Wanyoike says the firm has grown to become one of the top travel agents in Kenya.For three years it worked in partnership with global travel company Uniglobe lev-eraging on the firm’s network mainly in the SME sector. But soon enough, it outgrew Uniglobe and started looking for a new partner with a multinational network

FCm Travel sets its targets higher after a memorable year

FCm Travel team receives an award from Josphat Mwaura, KPMG East Africa CEO during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night at the Carnivore . DIANA NGILA

INDUSTRY CHAMPION

TOURISM & TRAVEL

Coast Industrial and Safety Supplies Ltd started in 2004 with a staff of 4 and the investment of the Directors’ Savings. In 9 years, the company has grown to a staff complement of over 20 and a turnover of more than USD 2 Million.

The company credits its growth to constantly reinventing itself in order to stay relevant in the industry. Their products range from every day bolts, nuts and bearings to drives that power gantries to specialised valves and water meters.

The directors believe that their staff are their most valuable asset since without them the strides the

company has made, would not have been possible. Credit for the growth that the company has experienced also goes to their customers and suppliers support.

In recent years, the company has made headway in the water industry introducing products that will increase efficiency and ensure long term cost saving as well as an increase in revenue for water companies.

The directors, Ivan De Souza and Rishi Parmar, believe that reputation is everything and therefore offer only high quality products that are cost efficient in the long run.

The company is currently working on getting its

ISO 9001:2008 Certification.

11th position Top 100 Mid Sized Companies 2013

XXXIIIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY | 33BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

Lean Energy Solutions Ltd. emerged No.1 in this year’s Top 100 Mid-sized com-panies in Kenya. The new entrant into

Kenya’s Top 100 league was just participat-ing for the fi rst time. Mr Dinesh Tembhekar the founder and managing director welcomes the news as a great achievement for his team. “This is a result of teamwork. I have a fantas-tic team and I am very happy for them,” Mr Dinesh says. He adds that though the relatively young company has won several other awards, they were not expecting to emerge the winner in their fi rst attempt.

Lean Energy Solutions Ltd. is a reputable company mainly involved in Project manage-ment within Africa, and especially in East Africa.

Main Products and Services

a. Boiler Conversion from Oil fuel fi red to solid fuel fi redLean Energy is a pioneer company in Kenya that converts Boiler from fossil fuel fi red to Lean Briqs Fired. We reduce the cost of steam generation by converting their boilers from oil fi red to solid fuel fi red on BOOT basis (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) for a contractual period of 7 to 10 years depending upon the investment.

“We undertake the project of completely transforming the client’s boiler by installing a new boiler, ID fan and other accessories. This is ensured through constant supply of the bri-quettes, fi ring of briquettes and smooth gen-eration of steam as per client’s requirements. “ Mr Dinesh Says.

b. Energy Auditswe have carried out more than 200 energy audits in Kenya and east Africa. The manufac-turing companies, hotels, hospitals and institu-tions that have undertaken this audits have realized energy savings, notably electricity bills and thermal energy savings

c. Manufacturing of Lean Briqs (Briquettes)Currently, the company manufactures bri-quettes from sugarcane bagasse & other biomass materials. The company is planning to invest in other plants in Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Rwanda for the purposes of bri-quetting of their agro-waste and to replicate the same benefi ts realized in Kenya.

Achieving co-benefi ts and balancing trade-off s

one tonne of Lean briqs [briquettes] cre-ates 12 man days of employment,

One tonne leads to reduction of emission of 1 tonne of carbon dioxide into the at-mosphere and

One tonne saves the country approxi-mately USD 150 in foreign exchange from the avoided purchase of imported fossil fuels.

Our Clients who have benefi ted from the 25% savingsWe have a wide range of clients ranging from Manufacturing to Processing Industries who have enjoyed our products. Some of the projects completed by Lean Energy Solutions Ltd are;-

Coca-Cola-Equator Bottlers Installed new boiler to be fi red using Lean Briqs from FO - BOOTEquator Bottlers is one of the leading Coca-cola Bottling companies in Kenya. We signed a 8 year binding contact under BOOT basis. Lean Energy procured, installed and commissioned the boiler within the stipulated period on the contract.

Universal Corporations Ltd’s Boiler conversion from IDO fi red to Lean Briqs fi red - BOOTUniversal Corporations Ltd is one of the lead-ing pharmaceuticals companies in East Africa.

LES and UCL entered a contractual agree-ment on BOOT Basis for Lean Energy to pro-cure, install and commission a 1TPH the boiler. This was completed successfully within the stipulated period in the contract.

Spin Knit Ltd Boiler Conversion from FO to Lean Briqs fi red - BOOTSpin Knit is a producer of Textiles in Kenya lo-cated in Nakuru. LES and Spin Knit Ltd signed a binding contract that authorized LES to con-vert their boiler eventually guaranteeing Spin Knit savings of 25%.

Meru Dairy Ltd.This milk processing company has installed a new briquette fi red boiler under BOOT basis

Spinners & Spinners LtdThis reputable textile company has imrn-

ensly benefi ted from converting there boiler

from fossil fuel fi red to lean briqs fi red under BOOT basis

Lean MakaaDriven by continuous research and innovation, Lean Solutions Group has just begun the manu-facturing of the Lean Makaa product for homes and hotels. “We are soon launching it into the retail market,” Mr Dinesh says. Compared to ordinary charcoal in the market, Lean Makaa burns twice as long. Mr Dinesh explains that the company will be partnering with small enterprises for sales and distribution.

The use of agricultural waste as a fuel source also serves to reduce the pressure on Kenya’s forest, which have already been reduced to cover less than 6% of the country’s land sur-face. Over 90% of households and small busi-nesses use wood and wood products as source of fuel for cooking and heating and in some areas as much as half the wood is converted to charcoal.

The development and use of Lean Makaa fuels helps reduce deforestation pressures and off ers better calorifi c value than fi rewood and normal charcoal.

Social Impact Creation of employment in mai-mahiu

IDP camp Engaging of women & youth self help

groups

Lean Energy Solutions Ltd Kenya’s No.1 Mid-Sized Company

Awards Galore at Lean Solutions Group

The company has ISO 9001:2008 Certi-fi cation and a number of awards at its belt.

Africa Climate Good Practice Award, 2013.

Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies in Kenya, Winner 2013.

Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies in Kenya, Professional Service Award.

SME of the year Award, First Runners Up 2010.

Annual Business Award in Productivity and Quality for the last 3 years.

Kenya Annual Business Awards (KABA) by KIM, Innovative Company of the Year award 2011.




“In the coveted seat” Dinesh Tembhekar, MD Lean Energy Solutions.

Lean Makaa.

Boilers.

".,*(*&)+,% #$-'?

Lean Energy Solutions Ltd.Talk to

Get up to 25% guaranteed savings when you convertyour boiler from fossil fuel to lean briqs (agromas��red)

��

��

XXXIV BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

INDUSTRY

TOURS AND TRAVEL

49 PALBINA TRAVEL LTD

Attributes its success to: Broad workday that offers convenience

to customers. Business open from 6 am till 12 midnight.

Open communication lines Highly skilled and experienced staff Strong financial base

Strong global representation

INDUSTRY

INSURANCE

50 WAUMINI INSURANCE BROKERS

Key determinants of success: Diversification of business -venturing

into new markets. Focus on micro insurance and pension

schemes management that has generated new revenue streams.

Establishment of regional offices to get the services closer to the consumers.

INDUSTRY

FINANCE

51 ASL CREDIT LIMITED

Sees the following as key growth drivers:

Professionalism Efficient, timely and innovative serv-ices Friendly, personalised and flexible ap-proach to service delivery.

ZPL INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

52 ZAVERCHAND PUNJA LTD

Attributes its success to: Constant generation innovative ideas

that are invested into new product lines Focus on industrial and niche segments Penetration of other African markets.

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

53 CANNON CHEMICALS

Success linked to: Maintenance and consistency in qual-

ity of products . Quality customer service.

Understand of the changing consumer needs and using it to upgrade products to meet it.

Competitive pricing of products to make them affordable to classes A,B and C of consumers.


54 PACKAGING MANUFACTURERS

(1976) LIMITED

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

55 TRIDENT PLUMBERS

Sees its growth as arising from : Quality of products and services.

Company only applies planned, system-atic quality activities to meet standard requirements.

Investing in human capital

INDUSTRY

PUBLISHING

56 TYPOTECH IMAGING SYSTEMS LTD

Success is linked to: Increased demand for printed material

with the emergence of new magazine & newspaper brands.

Regional expansion. Continuous evolution in print technol-

ogy that has produced sustainable and profitable business opportunities.


57 KINPASH ENTERPRISES LTD

INDUSTRY

TRANSPORT

58 VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT LEASING LTD

Links its success to: Increased market demand due to awareness of operating lease that has led to culture change on ownership. Regional growth Government support especially

through interest in leasing.


59 SHEFFIELD STEEL SYSTEMS

Attributes its growth to: Expansion of footprint throughout East

Africa. Increase of product range Capacity expansions

Vehicle and Equipment Leasing Limited staff receive an award from NMG advertis-ing director Michael Ngugi (right) during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night . DIANA NGILA

34 |

Josh Industrial Estate, Mombasa Road, Next to Mastermind TobaccoP. O. Box 287 - 00502, Nairobi - Kenya

Tel: 020 4970000, Cell: 0734 333142, 0736 411011, 0722 207305Fax: 020 4970222, Email: [email protected]

Website: www.hvpskenya.com

NEW RENAULT KERAX 6x4 PRIME MOVER

• Excellent payload capacity• Simple maintenance• Best ground clearance in

the market• Manual Gearbox• Full Steel Suspension• Up to 3 Year Warranty

HVPS Kenya congratulatesJubilee Jumbo Hardware

on your graduation to Club 101.

We are proud to be associated with you!

**UNITS AVAILABLE EX-STOCK**

XXXVThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY | 35BUSINESS DAILY | THURSDAY 31.10.13

XXXVI BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013


60 COMPLAST INDUSTRIES LTD


61 DUNE PACKAGING

Attributes growth to: Continuous development of new prod-

ucts. Strategic marketing in new markets. Expansion of product lines

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

62 HEBATULLAH BROTHERS LTD

Says growth has benefited from: Customer satisfaction Use of modern technology to meet in-

dustry needs. Use of innovative designs.

INDUSTRY

FOOD MANUFACTURING

63 SPICE WORLD LTD

Success linked to: Quality systems and procedures sup-

ported by ISO 9001:2008 certification. Further investment in the processing

plant and business systems. Recruitment of skilled human resourc-

es.

INDUSTRY RETAIL

64 MUSEUM HILL WINES


65 YOGI PLUMBERS LTD

INDUSTRY

ENGINEERING

66 VAJRA DRILL

Attributes success to: Guarantee of customer satisfaction Team work Reliable after sales services.

INDUSTRY

FOOD MANUFACTURING

67 MELVIN MARSH INTERNATIONAL LTD

Firm says success linked to: Constant product innovation and im-

provement to suit customers changing tastes and healthy lifestyles.

Cost reduction. Consistent marketing of products.

INDUSTRY AGRICULTURE

68 KANDIA FRESH PRODUCE SUPPLIERS LTD

Growth has been driven by: A dedicated team that strives to

achieve excellence and offer customers a lasting experience.

Continuous market expansion through increased trade with existing clients and new client base .

Product diversification.

INDUSTRY

FOOD MANUFACTURING

69 FAYAZ BAKERS LIMITED

Success linked to: Strong focus on product quality and

customer needs. Investment in new machinery and

equipment. Dedicated employees.


70 SPECICOM TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Success is linked to: Keeping abreast with emerging tech-

nology innovations and therefore being able to offer solutions to a wide range of customers at competitive prices.

Collaborating with major manufactur-ers and other stakeholders to improve ef-ficiency of supplies and avoid stock outs or delays in delivery.

Investing in quality human resources


71 MOMBASA CANVAS LTD

Attributes success to: Uncompromising quality in product de-

livery and service provision Benchmarking against rivals through

participation in national, international competitions.

Expansion into EAC region.

INDUSTRY TOUR AND TRAVEL

72 SILVERBIRD TRAVEL PLUS LTD

Attributes success to:

Total focus on core business and brand promise while maintaining a high visibility in the market through networking.

High rate of customer retention, up sell-ing to the existing clients, and referrals to new clients by existing clients.

Regional expansion that has seen the firm open branches in Arusha, Tanzania and creation of new tour packages.


73 IRON ART

Firm links growth to: Attention to detail and proper quality

control Complete customer satisfaction

INDUSTRY SECURITY

74 RADAR LIMITED


75 MASTER POWER SYSTEMS

Key growth drivers are: Provision of quality service and effec-

tive marketing of products Growth of construction industry Employment of skilled workers

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

76 HARDWARE & WELDING SUPPLIES

Attributes success to: Diversification Training of staff Financial support from banks

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

77 MASTERS FABRICATORS LTD

Growth has been driven by: Inspiration, Innovation, Craftsmanship


78 SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES

Key growth drivers are listed as: Steady business from a growing SME

sector Fast reliable and affordable internet

connectivity Free secondary school education that

is driving uptake of ICT.


79 HERITAGE FOODS KENYA

Key growth drivers are: Timely identification of market oppor-

tunities Inherent skills of the founders Staying on the cutting edge of food

science.


80 AFRICA TEA BROKERS LTD

Attributes success to: Acquisition of additional business

through strategic marketing. Offer of value added quality services. Guaranteed prompt payments to pro-

ducers .

Hussein M. Hussein of Fayaz Bakers Limited receives an award during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night at the Carnivore on 11th October. DIANA NGILA

36 |

XXXVIIThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY


81 RAEREX EA LIMITED

Key drivers of success are: Use of quality products in all projects Efficiency in project management that

builds client confidence translating to word of mouth marketing .

Experience in project execution and maintenance .

INDUSTRY TOUR & TRAVEL

82 TRAVEL SHOPPE COMPANY LTD

Firm links its steady growth to: Wider exposure of management and

staff. Aggressive marketing. Benchmarking against peers in compe-

titions such as Top 100 SMEs survey.

INDUSTRY SERVICES

83 ORIENTAL GENERAL STORES


84 CHUMA FABRICATORS LTD

Sees success as driven by: Investment in new machines and equip-

ment that has speeded up the pace of work leading to acquisition of high value clients

Employee training and motivation. Expansion of footprint beyond Kenyan

borders.

INDUSTRY PRINTING

85 STATPRINT LIMITED

INDUSTRY SERVICES

86 SOLLATECK ELECTRONICS LTD

Growth is attributed to: 100 per cent emphasis on after-sales

support including the policy of ‘no-quib-bles’ warranties

Very low staff turnover which has ena-bled the firm to build up a core of experi-enced personnel.

Expansion to the wider East African re-gion covering Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda

and Burundi.

INDUSTRY

ADVERTISING

87 SMART BRANDS

Key growth drivers are: Wide range of quality products Aggressive marketing Excellent customer care

INDUSTRY HORTICULTURE

88 DE RUITER EA LTD

Attributes success to: Strong roots and a rich history that

has been built over a span of more than 90 years.

Enthusiasm and dynamism in the com-pany that translates to regular product and marketing systems improvement

Innovation and focus on quality.

Raerex East Africa Limited MD Edward Kariuki and company secretary Ryan Kariuki receive an award from Dr. Mungai of Strathmore Business School during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night. DIANA NGILA


s which users a

Isolutions Associates LimitedWestland Business Park, 7th Floor, Chiromo Lane, Westlands

P.O. Box 11690-00100, Nairobi, KenyaC

Website: www.isolutions.co.ke

Our Technology Partners

Landline: +254 20 234 9887Email: [email protected] I

I Cell: +254 722 331 935

A Pan African ICT security solutions provider with a holistic approach to offering end to end data and network systems protection, since 2004.

Who We Are

• Maintain an efficient and secure IT infrastructure.* Assess which users accessed which systems, what commands

they executed, with what priviledge, and the exact changes they made to key files and configurations.

Our SolutionsIT Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Monitor and manage organization IT security threats.* Security incident and event management* Mobile device management* Data leakage prevention* Database activity monitoring* Network monitoring and management* Data encryption

IT Environment Security Management

• Assessment and implementation of IT security best practices.* IT security governance training* IT security policy planning and development* Penetration testing and vulnerability assessment* IT security strategy roadmap development* Enterprise IT risk assessment

IT Security & Risk Consulting

XXXVIII BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

BY PATRICIA MURUGAMI VICE DEAN, EXECUTIVE TALENT

DEVELOPMENT @ SBS

Many times, from my experience at Strathmore Business School (SBS) and in executive coaching, I have constantly observed the challenges that entrepre-neurs face in separating themselves from their businesses.

I do not mean neglecting the busi-ness but developing a strategy, system and structures that separate interde-pendently the value of business and your personal life as an entrepreneur. As a result of this, we have developed interventions and learning habits that enable them respond more positively to the question: Are you living your eulogy or business plan?’

Globalisation and the fast speed of technological development have caused increasing and more complex demands on our time, talents and en-ergy. This has resulted in increasing illness and sleep deprivation due to a dilemma of boundaries across all as-pects of our lives. Ultimately the key challenge is the challenge of execu-

tion of meaningful things. How do entrepreneurs know they are losing themselves? They begin to lose the ca-pacity to take a long-term perspective rather than making the most expedi-ent choice. They lose precisely what they need most in these complex times: the capacity to think analytically and imaginatively. It’s not good for them, their families, communities and it is not good for their companies, our coun-try Kenya and our continent Africa. So what do wise and successful entre-preneurs do consistently to achieve a genuine sense of real success and sig-nificance across personal and business life? Wise Entrepreneurs consistently do the following eight things:

They determine and live the mission of their business & meaning of suc-cess:

They check if the business mission is serving others. A truly authentic mis-sion serves others, meets the needs of the common good and ensures that you achieve triple growth in people, planet and profits. Wise entrepre-neurs know and follow through on

their business purpose, document it and ensure their values enable them achieve their mission.

They detect, document and review their personal mission as an indi-vidual:

They do this by asking: ‘why am I on this earth?’ Not only do they review their mission but they align their com-mitments to their mission. We all have a mission inbuilt in us and which needs to be detected and lived truly.

They assess the relationship be-tween their company’s values and their personal values

They determine and document their personal values and assess the company they have incorporated. Is there a link between the two sets of values? If there is a disconnection be-tween the two sets, they make speedy strides to reduce the tension as this may cause suffering subconsciously

from value incongruence.

They conduct a Quarterly Personal Review and Quarterly Business Re-view

Wise entrepreneurs conduct a per-sonal SWOT assessment and a business SWOT assessment regularly and in do-ing so there are some key relationships between the variables in each. They then decide which are the priority op-portunities and threats to work on for the next quarter or year and begin to work on them decisively.

They focus and develop their personal five aspects of health

To develop and attain a sense of overall wellbeing we need to focus and develop our physical health, spiritual health, emotional -social health, men-tal- professional health and financial health. Wise entrepreneurs find mo-ments to reflect and take small key ac-tions in each area daily.

They develop critical leadership be-haviors that result in true transfor-mation

One key aspect that drives entre-preneurs is to make the highest profit possible. In order to make sustaina-ble profits rather than sporadic prof-its, good entrepreneurs tend to invest time regularly to learn and unlearn business skills. Wise entrepreneurs invest time to not only to learn busi-ness skills but to develop their charac-ter and their families by learning habits of excellence and virtues.

They ensure their business is a role model to others and as an individual that they are role models to others and have a role model

Many businessmen do not realise that their businesses, especially the successful ones in the public eye tend to be role models for other smaller businesses. They realise that all com-munication, be it in a billboard or via other media, has an impact on their credibility, business personality and personal character.

They take a daily assessment of their daily actions and take remedial ac-tions quickly

This results in having a can- do attitude and not taking failure too seriously. They have a good sense of humour and as a result bounce back from disappointments. Wise entre-preneurs tend to be reflective leaders who examine their conscience and constantly assess how they use their time, what they believe is important and how they can improve.

8 habits of wise and successful ent≥ep≥eneu≥s

Wise entrepreneurs are reflective leaders. FILE

SPONSORSPLATFORM

38 |

Borehole Drilling Services

P.O BOX 18883-00500 Nairobi,Kenya

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Phone: +254 725283762

With its roots developed in almost 100 years of history, De Ruiter shows the world an enthusiastic and dynamic company. Ever since the early nineties, De Ruiter has been the leading rose flower breeder in East Africa.

De Ruiter EA Ltd is honored to be in the Kenya Top 100 Companies 2013 edition.

De Ruiter,

creating flower business!w: www.deruiter.com I e: [email protected]: +254 (0)50 2030 576, +254(0)712 035 477

XXXIXThursday October 31, 2013 | BUSINESS DAILY


89 KISIMA DRILLING (E.A) LTD

Growth has been driven by: Adoption of latest technologies Hiring of qualified and skilled staff Use of quality materials and good after-

sale services


90 CARE CHEMIST

Attributes growth to: Aquisition of distribution contracts from

various companies. This has led to a built up of new clients.

Aavailability of a wide range of products has boosted the company’s image.

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

91 BROLLO KENYA LTD

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

92 CANNON ALUMINIUM FABRICATORS LTD

Links its success to: Employee motivation Embracing new technology in the manu-

facturing field. Technology includes extru-sion of aluminium billets, extrusion of UPVC profiles, wood finish and aluminium coating

Offering the right incentives to customers

INDUSTRY

TOURS & TRAVEL

93 SATGURU TRAVEL & TOURS

Attributes its success to: Expansion into new markets such as Mo-

rocco, Brazil, and other parts of Africa leading to steady revenue growth.

Change of working structure to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Recruitment of qualified personnel .

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

94 KUNAL HARDWARE

Attributes growth to: Availability of a wide range of products

required for builduing. Strategic location that makes it easy for clients to access its products

Dependable pre-sale and after sale con-sulting services.

Competetive pricing

INDUSTRY

FOOD MANUFACTURING

95 DEEPA INDUSTRIES LTD

Success is linked to: Expansion of exports market. Building a powerful brand name through advertising. Consistent product quality and competi-tive pricing.

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

96 SKYLARK CREATIVE PRODUCTS

Success attributed to: Regular participation in events like trade fairs and home expos. Benchmarking against competitors through participation in surveys such as Top 100 SMEs. Firm featured in the Top 100 list in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Achievement of ISO 9001:2008 certifi-cation. Expanding to new markets and opening new showroom in Kisumu to meet customer needs.

INDUSTRY

LOGISTICS

97 UNEEK FREIGHT SERVICES

INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING

98 BBC AUTO SPARES LTD

Firm has hinged its growth on: Reputation of its brands to cultivate a loyal customer base. A customer-friendly policy that ad-vises on the best mode of using spare parts for servicing . Keeping in step with new spare parts trens in the market.


99 LANTECH AFRICA LTD

Attributes its success to: Market Focus - provides clients with

a range of specific enterprise network services and industry competitive solu-tions.

Response:- LANTech’s strategy is

agile and reactive to the evolving ICT market.

Services expertise:- co-ordinates ele-ments of a complete solution to ensure effective, scalable and sustainable im-plementation.


100 POLYTANKS LIMITED

Brollo Kenya Limited director Kirti Doshi (left) and HR manager Pooja Doshi receive their award during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night at the Carnivore on 11th October, 2013. DIANA NGILA

BY ISABELLA MUKUMU

When three friends came together in the 1980s to venture in the business

of importing medicine from Asian, none had the slightest idea where the enterprise would be some 30 years down the line.

At the time, there were a few companies manufacturing gener-ic drugs in Kenya and the market was flooded with drugs from India and China.

But that was to change in the early 1990s when the pharmaceutical board raised a red flag on some of the imports and rejected most on grounds of poor quality stand-ards.

The development nudged the three friends to register a pharma-ceutical company in 1996 under the name Universal Corporation of Kenya (UCKL) for purposes of manufacturing generic drugs hav-ing identified the potential in a growing market.

Growth has been tremendous

over the years enabling the firm to spread its exports footprint in the greater East and Central African region using a new business name -- Universal Corporation Limited (UCL).

The goal of the three founding directors was actually to set up a bigger, state of the art pharmaceu-tical company in Kenya.

This dream became reality in 2004 with the opening of a syrup line at the Nairobi plant and there has been no looking back since then.

The mission remains to pro-vide affordable quality medicine to more people thereby helping improve the quality of life for mil-lions in the regions.

The company’s founders how-ever warn that the enterprise jour-ney has not been easy. Growth has for instance slowed down in recent months after the government, through the new value added tax, imposed a levy on raw materials putting local drug manufacturers at a disadvantage.

This has hampered plans by the company to double its turnover and profits in the next 5 years.

“The new regulations will put pressure on local manufacturers to import finished goods therefore causing loss of jobs and slackening the realization of vision 2030,” said Palu Dhanani, a founder and man-aging director of UCL.

The upside however is that UCL has scaled the mountain of success to join the Kenya Top100 SMEs Club 101, having surpassed the Sh1 billion turnover mark in this year’s survey.

The annual survey that is spon-sored by the Business Daily, a pub-lication of the Nation Media Group and consulting firm KPMG, recog-nised the fastest growing compa-nies with a turnover of between Sh70 million and Sh1 billion.

Any enterprise whose turno-ver rises above the Sh1 billion mark graduates from the Top 100 mid-sized companies category to Club 101.

It has been a double win for UCL in 2013, having received an ISO cer-tification on environmental health and safety earlier in the year.

Cabinet secretary Ann Waiguru (left) and KPMG East Africa chief executive Josphat Mwaura present the Club 101 certificate to Universal Corporation Limited commercial head Hemal Patel (in gown) and the company’s business development manager, Mr N. Ravichandran, during the Top 100 Mid-sized Companies Gala night. DIANA NGILA

Right-p≥iced medicine pushes company into the big boys’ club


XL BUSINESS DAILY | Thursday October 31, 2013

40 |

News & Politics

Kenya Top 100-Online Newspaper -THE FASTEST GROWING MID-SIZED BUSINESSES IN KENYA