The Davis & Shirtliff Water Testing Laboratory has a global reach and offers a wide range of testing services in accordance with national, international and industry / client specific standards and requirements.
We reach the end of another year, one that has not been without its challenges, especially externally due to the Ukraine war and the subsequent negative economic consequences that have affected everyone, especially our markets. However, positively Covid has been contained with life returning to normal and in Kenya we held a peaceful election that has resulted in an energetic new President.
Digital innovation has been a key priority for the D&S Group with several platforms coming online in the last few years including apps D&S FLO, the Dayliff App and the Pool Tool as well as proprietary software programs iDayliff, Solarcalc and Pumpcalc.
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.
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.
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.