From nurturing small enterprises to supporting established manufacturers, Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) continues to demonstrate the value of long-term partnerships in building and growing Kenyan businesses.
During an ongoing customer engagement tour, KIE Managing Director Mr. Nelson M. Kwamini visited Lineplast Group of Companies, Airos Investment Ltd and Impact Chemicals Ltd in Nairobi’s Industrial Area where he heard firsthand accounts of how KIE’s support has contributed to their business journeys.
For Lineplast Group of Companies Director Mary Ngechu said, the relationship with KIE dates back to 2006, when the company began as a small enterprise operating within KIE premises before expanding into its own premises with support from KIE financing.
“We are a KIE product,” she declared, reflecting on the institution’s contribution to the company’s growth.
“We have significantly grown through KIE incubation all the way to where we are today. We continue getting immense support from KIE,” she added.
Today, Lineplast Group of Companies operates across plastics, cosmetics, printing and branding demonstrating the potential of enterprises that grow from modest beginnings into diversified businesses.
Through its personal care brand and Black Essential, consumers can access body lotion, shampoo and leave-in hair treatment extending the company’s reach into the beauty and personal-care market.
At Airos Investment Ltd, Operations Manager Mr. Wycliff Oindo highlighted the importance of affordable industrial premises and financing in enabling businesses to establish and expand their operations.
“It’s not cheap to hire a go-down in Industrial Area here in Nairobi, but KIE was a godsend. They give us affordable go-downs and affordable loans. We are their great partner and we don’t take it for granted,” he said.
Mr. Oindo noted that the company’s growth had increased its need for larger working space expressing hope that KIE would be able to provide bigger premises to accommodate its expanding operations.
Airos Investment’s product portfolio includes Dhahabu Oil, Warachi Perfumes and Warachi Body Splash offering consumers a range of fragrance and personal-care products from a local enterprise whose growth is supported by access to industrial infrastructure and financing.
The Managing Director also visited Impact Chemicals Ltd, where Director Mr. Adam Omondi highlighted KIE’s contribution through staff training, market linkages and access to affordable industrial premises.
Impact Chemicals manufactures a diverse range of products serving hygiene, healthcare, household and animal-care markets. Its portfolio includes sodium hypochlorite (bleach), Clinozyme enzymatic detergent for surgical equipment, hand sanitisers, handwash detergents, toilet cleaners, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, pet shampoos and veterinary feed additives.
Beyond its own product range, the company provides contract manufacturing services for veterinary pesticides, detergents, disinfectants and liquid bleach, offering manufacturing solutions to businesses seeking production partners.
The company’s diversified operations illustrate the breadth of local manufacturing capabilities and the opportunities available to enterprises that continue to invest in production, innovation and market development.
Across the three businesses, a common message emerged: affordable industrial space, accessible financing, staff capacity building and market linkages are important enablers of enterprise growth.
The visits also provided KIE with an opportunity to engage directly with its customers, understand their evolving operational needs and identify areas where further support could help them expand and strengthen their competitiveness.
Mr. Kwamini reaffirmed KIE’s commitment to supporting its customers and working with them to build stronger, more sustainable enterprises.
The engagements reflect KIE’s continued focus on practical enterprise development, building lasting relationships with businesses not only at the point of establishment but also as they grow, diversify and pursue new opportunities.
The Managing Director was accompanied by Rev. Peter Rotich, Manager Operations and Acting Manager Marketing and Public Relations and renowned journalist Alex Chamwada of Chams Media.