3 minute read
Davis & Shirtliff chairman honored for water supply leadership
Davis & Shirtliff Executive Chairman Alec Davis has been honored for steering water supply revolution and building a transformative business in Africa. He was named, among other leaders, in this year’s 2020 Business Worldwide CEO Awards. The 2020 Business Worldwide CEO Awards recognized Davis for his outstanding, purpose-driven leadership that has seen the family-owned company revolutionize water supply in Kenya and other nations in Africa over the last seven decades. “The company’s Executive Chairman Alec Davis, has been named in the 2020 Business Worldwide CEO Awards for his exceptional leadership and vision,” said the Business Worlwide Magazine on its website. It added, “It’s easy to assume that large corporations that have gained reputations as leaders in their field are in danger of becoming money-making machines. But family company Davis & Shirtliff still holds launched the second phase of Nairobi Sewerage Improvement Program set to be completed in 2023. The launch follows the successful implementation of the first phase which increased sanitation coverage from 40 per cent in 2012 to 48 per cent by 2017 for improved public health and sustainable environment. Funded by the Government of Kenya (GoK), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the French Development Agency (FDA) to a tune of US $101 million, the second phase will contribute to the realization of Kenya’s Big Four Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goal 6 which has committed to ensure universal and equitable access to safe and affordable water for all, access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and an end to open defecation true to the values it was built on more than 70 years ago, and is still going from strength to strength.”
The awards seek to identify and honor the most respected C-level executives across the
Advertisement
globe from a variety of different sectors. The awards themselves do not focus on a company’s success, as many do, but the spotlight is on the success of individuals who make the corporations tick– namely senior executives such as CEOs, Managing Directors, Directors and senior-level management.
“There is no question that Davis & Shirtliff today is a successful organization in spite of operating in what generally are considered to be competitive product segments and is overwhelmingly the leader in many of its markets. The driving philosophy has been teamwork, and the group has a strong culture of commitment that has been fostered through a management style of consensus, fairness and delegation,” said Davis. by 2030. Speaking during the launch, Nnenna Nwabufo, the acting DirectorGeneral of AfDB said that the project seeks to improve access, quality, availability and sustainability of wastewater services in Nairobi City with a view of contributing to the restoration of Nairobi rivers. “The planned investment will enhance the provision of reliable, safe, and sustainable urban sanitation services in Nairobi City with a view of contributing to improved access and increased economic activities,” Nnenna said. The Water Secretary Eng. S.A.O. Alima said that the Nairobi Sewerage Improvement Program will expand access to sewerage services, improve fecal sludge management, eliminate pollution of Nairobi Rivers and protect them as alternative water Davis succeeded his father, Eddie Davis in 1990 and embarked on an aggressive expansion strategy focused on the distribution business. Under his tenure, the company partnered with a number of highprofile agencies including Italy’s Pedrollo Pumps and established subsidiaries in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Rwanda.
“Being a closed family business is a great advantage, as growth and not distribution is the priority, and our driving philosophy is ‘Purpose Before Profit’. The key, of course, is having the right people in terms of intellectual capacity, skillsets and commitment and this has been the area where the management philosophy has been particularly successful through a combination of careful recruitment, culture, remuneration, training and openness,” said
The Government of Kenya has
Davis. sources through construction of secondary reticulation networks and last mile connections.
“I am glad to note that the completed investments have had a positive impact on the city of Nairobi by increasing the sanitation coverage to remarkable levels. We appreciate the continued cooperation with the Bank in the various water and sanitation programs under implementation throughout the country.” Eng. Alima said.
Speaking on behalf of the National Treasury, Makori said that the Government has met all the conditions for loan effectiveness and the implementing agency has received no objection for advance procurement.
“So far, the financing agreements and the subsidiary loan agreements have been signed between National Treasury and AfDB. The Government has provided US $18.5 million in the budget for the 2020/2021 financial year and the project is now ready for implementation,” Makori added.
