Founders day at Davis and Shirtliff is a long established tradition that commemorates the company’s founding in 1946 by Eddie C. Davis and Dick Shirtliff. This year’s event was particularly special as it also marked the company’s 70th anniversary and so celebrations befitting such a milestone were held.
The day started with a walk from the Westlands’ site that marked the company’s original location to the current head office in Nairobi’s Industrial area located along Dundori road. The walk was particularly memorable with the Kenya Police band leading the procession along Waiyaki way, Uhuru highway, Lusaka Road, Dunga road and finally to Dundori road. The walk was attended by more than 150 staff, overseas suppliers and guests such as Poul Mortensen (Guest of honour during the Founders day), Elena Jakobson CEO of Midas, Lee Murray and Ahmad Mushtaq from Davey among others. Representatives from the various subsidiaries such as Zambia (Jonathan Mainga), Tanzania (Benjamin Munyao), South Sudan (George Kinyanjui) and Rwanda (Joseph Wanene). Kindly visit the company’s social media accounts (Facebook & Twitter) for more pictures of the walk.
After the walk came the main event of the day and, in keeping with tradition, everyone was in attendance for the sumptuous lunch. After lunch, the CEO Mr. Alec Davis took to the stage to give his tradition address. This year marked his 40th anniversary at the company and also the year of his transition from CEO to Chairman. His tenure at the helm of D&S has seen the company rise from humble origins to become the industry leader it is today. As he now moves to become the Chairman of the group, the position of CEO will be taken up by David Gatende formerly the Deputy CEO who has himself been with the company for 30 years. The outgoing CEO was showered with numerous gifts for his efforts by staff, branches, departments and suppliers alike and may stakeholders took to the state to wish him well. The highlight of the evening was when he and his wife, Mrs. Christine Davis were instituted as Maasai elders. In African culture, being an elder is the highest level of acknowledgement that a community can bestow on one of their own. His leadership, courage, insight and wisdom have been tremendous.
An important group of invited guests to the event were former longstanding staff, a good proportion of whom were octogenarians and septuagenarians. They took trouble to note the new strides the company has made since they retired. It was also worth noting the bond that they had with each other, most of them having worked together for over 25 years. Most have their names on Davis & Shirtliff’s famous 25 years’ service board set aside for employees who have worked for the company for more than a quarter of a century. Davis & Shirtliff has kept close contact with them over the years and certainly looks forward to many more years with them. As they toured the premises, they reminisced of how they used to work and the modern improvements that have taken place since then. They collectively had over 750 years of service and were represented by. Mr. Kimari Gachanja, who joined the company in 1948 as a 17 year old and retired in 1996 after 48 years of service. During the celebration, he gave a particularly moving speech on the value of working hard, being honest and working as a team that resulted in a lengthy standing ovation from the crowd. He was also particularly thankful to the CEO Mr. Alec Davis for his stewardship of the company. Click here to watch his moving speech.
There was also a skit by staff with a cast drawn from various departments in the company which was certainly a comedic success. The skit sought to highlight the past, present and future of Davis & Shirtliff. Participants included Edward Davis, Philip Holi, Henry Davis, Maina Mbatia, Ken Chomba, Irene Karanja, Alfred Bedia, Steve Mwega, Richard Thiru, Annette Wairoma, Gabin Omanga, Joab Mak’Ongul, Fred Andago, Timothy Musembi, Enock Ongondo, Moses Kitheka, Gilbert Barasa, Joel Ndungu and Naomi Mburu. Among these there were certainly some Oscar winning performances.
Last but certainly not least, Brenda Muhati was awarded the Grundfos Friendship and Teamwork award 2016. The winner is selected by staff on the basis of their wider contribution in the workplace and for their thoughtfulness and general concern for colleagues. The award was presented by former Grundfos executive Poul Mortensen, who was Guest of Honor at the event. The runners up were Moses Kitheka, John Mugeke and Maureen Omamo. Service awards were also awarded to employees who have served at Davis & Shirtliff for over a decade. The recipients were Asenath Kiprono, Martin Muraya, Charles Kebaso, Evelyne Wainaina, Michael Musyoka, Jared Asiago, Anthony Karunguru, Joseph Mutuma and Moses Munguti. Special award for 25 years of service was presented to Daniel Kamau. Popularly known as DK, he has risen through the ranks to become a manager having joined the company as a technician. With that recognition, he joins the elite club of people who have their names on the 25 years’ service board.
The day served to mark the exciting journey so far and the company certainly looks forward to many more years ahead as it continues improving people’s lives.
