D&S is known across the region for its pioneering use of smartly branded company vehicles, a tradition which dates back many years. The Group's large vehicle fleet of sales station wagons, service pickups, borehole trucks and delivery lorries has been expanded in recent years and now includes motorcycles, tuk-tuks, an aeroplane and, most recently, a boat.
September is the beginning of the Group year which traditionally starts with the recently held Annual Conference, an event that has morphed, especially through Covid, to take advantage of virtual communication so all senior staff throughout the Group can participate. The event also starts the annual Planning Process, a key discipline that has driven growth over many years. The Conference objective is to formulate strategy, this year the theme being 'the Future is Digital' as the Group looks to develop the many digital opportunities that are changing the world. An important feature of the Conference are external guest speakers and this year I would particularly mention two - Peter Njonjo, CEO of Twiga Foods and Julius Kipngetich, CEO of Jubilee Insurance, both of whom were inspirational in their perspectives.
The latest volume of the D&S Product Manual has recently been launched at the company's Management Conference, and marks the 13 edition since the current format was introduced in 2010. This years' edition, at over 400 pages, includes a record 73 new and updated data sheets for products and solutions offered directly from the D&S Supply Chain and made available via the Groups' regional network of over 80 branches spread across 11 countries.
The D&S Annual Management Conference was held in September and was a hybrid virtual and physical event appropriately themed 'The Future is Digital'. With sessions staged over several days, the conference as usual provided a forum for managers from across the Group to share experiences and learn from each other as well as hearing from company executives and the various keynote speakers over the course of the event.
D&S Uganda recently celebrated a major milestone, its 25th Anniversary. Started from small beginnings in 1997 by founding MD Ephraim Wainaina, the company has grown considerably over the years and is now a major force in Uganda's water and energy sectors employing over 50 people and operating from seven branches. Celebrations were held in the newly upgraded and much improved Head Office in the on Jinja road aJR Complexnd over 100 customers, suppliers and staff enjoyed the event.
Significant progress has been made in the year in the area of bringing the D&S range of products and solutions closer to customers through the opening of local branches, particularly in Nairobi and its environs, where several new outlets have come online in the last few months. Most recently, smart new premises have opened their doors in Ngong town and Ruaka.
I begin by congratulating Dr. William Ruto on his election as Kenya's fifth President. The vote was very close but that it was generally seen to be fair and also accepted not just by the contestants but also the population is a huge endorsement for Kenya and of course that it was so peaceful is a great blessing. President Ruto certainly has a full in-tray both economic and social that will bring many challenges, though I look forward to the country continuing to develop on the trajectory established by his predecessor President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has led the country to another level during his tenure. Kenya is now in a strong position to secure its position as the region's major economy and D&S looks forward to supporting the new government.