A major milestone was recently achieved by the D&S Fibreglass Department, the production of the 25,000th Dayliff DX/CX filter! In Kenyan terms this is quite an achievement and given that there are probably less than 10,000 pools in the country most are fitted with these distinctive yellow filters. It's been a long journey, the first filter being made in 1985 with initially low production numbers that have grown over the years. Now available in five sizes and two configurations, Dayliff filters have proved their durability over years of service, many twenty year old ones still being in daily use.
D&S Lavington & Kamakis Open D&S Kenya MD Edward Davis and Branch Network Executive Margaret Kuchio have in the last quarter embarked on a program of opening several new branches in Nairobi and surrounding areas including latest locations D&S Lavington in Legend Valley Business Park on Gitanga Road and D&S Kamakis, situated near the Eastern Bypass/Thika Superhighway intersection. With the aim of bringing the range of its products and solutions closer and more accessible to customers everywhere, the D&S branch network in Kenya now stands at 55 and at 87 groupwide.
The D&S Group's digital division has recently launched its latest innovation, save-to-purchase module DAYLIPA that allows customers to purchase D&S solutions by making flexible deposits into their account over a period of time. Available as a smart phone app of the same name, DAYLIPA was successfully developed by a cross divisional team led by ICT GM Desmond Rao, Branch Management Office Manger Titus Njenga, Group Legal Manager Olive Muasya, Branch coordination manager Benjamin Ochelle, Group Credit Manager Matthew Ndongu, Digital Marketing Manager Ken Muturi and Anthony Waweru.
The Stockists Competition launched as part of the D&S 75th Anniversary celebrations has recently concluded with the winner, Ragsons Hardware, receiving a Toyota Probox as first prize. An award ceremony was held at D&S Tatu City Distribution where the winners' prize was presented with runners up Buildmart Tiles Hardware and Abokor Supplies Ltd also receiving gifts.
After much preparation a new D&S era has now begun with David Gatende's retirement at the end-May Founders Day and George Mbugua's accession to the CEO role. The transition was well celebrated during this traditional event and due recognition was given to David's exceptional 36-year career. Both David and George gave excellent addresses and I'm confident that D&S is well set to continue on its successful path.
New products are the life blood of any organization and the D&S Technical Division under Director Philip Holi have been busy developing various new innovations that are now ready for distribution throughout the D&S network.
D&S Tanzania under MD Ben Munyao has recently opened its eigth branch in Mbeya, a city in the southwest area of the country that sits in a dramatic location beneath Loleza Peak and between the soaring Mbeya and Poroto mountain ranges.