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DAVIS & SHIRTLIFF
Davis & Shirtliff is a top-tier force in the East African region, standing as the leading supplier of water-related equipment since its establishment in 1946. Boasting a legacy of nearly eight decades, the company has strategically positioned itself at the forefront of the industry, with a keen focus on seven key product sectors: Water Pumps, Boreholes Solutions, Swimming Pools, Water Treatment, Generators, Solar Solutions, and Irrigation.
What distinguishes Davis & Shirtliff extends beyond its diverse product range and regional presence. At the core of its operations lies a commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices that are interwoven into the heart of its business ethos.
Operating primarily from its Kenyan base, Davis & Shirtliff has expanded its footprint across the East African region, with branches in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zimbabwe, and a strategic partnership in Ethiopia. As the company continues to grow and evolve, its ESG practices remain a guiding force, reflecting a commitment to both business excellence and positive impact on the communities and environments it serves.
Davis & Shirtliff sets itself apart by supplying technologically advanced water-related equipment designed not only for efficiency but also with a contribution to environmental preservation. With a notable emphasis on utilising renewable energy, the company’s products stand as a testament to sustainable innovation, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints, as well as combat the water crisis. Davis & Shirtliff’s commitment extends beyond technological prowess, actively addressing community needs and fostering positive social impact. The #ImprovingLives Initiative exemplifies this dedication, making meaningful contributions across various touch points within the community. This is in line with many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
For instance, last year, Matungulu Girls Secondary School in Machakos County, grappling with a prolonged water shortage, found relief through the County Government of Machakos who sponsored drilling of a borehole. This eased the burden on nearly 2,000 female students who had endured a challenging three-year period, trekking three and a half kilometres for water. Teaming up with the Davis & Shirtliff #ImprovingLives Initiative, the school equipped the borehole with a solar-powered Dayliff pump, delivering 2,000 litres of water per hour. This has not only improved personal hygiene but also freed up valuable study time, positively impacting academic performance.
In another 2023 initiative, Davis & Shirtliff, in collaboration with Caritas Marsabit, responded to the drought-induced suffering in Barambate, Marsabit County. Partnering to install a Mod Pro and Solar pumping system, the project aimed not only to provide clean water but also to address broader community issues. The community’s 1 percent cash contribution during well construction fosters ownership, while the water tariff system ensures sustainable operation and maintenance.
As a testament to its commitment to social inclusion, Davis & Shirtliff addresses one of the significant challenges faced by women in the corporate world – the need for an enabling environment for growth and advancement. Acknowledging the potential and capability of women, the company goes beyond conventional measures by implementing the ‘Women in Leadership’ mentoring program. Open to all female staff, irrespective of their rank or designation, this internal initiative employs the potent tool of storytelling to inspire and train.
Davis & Shirtliff partnered with the Rotary Club of Nairobi Magharibi to donate handwashing stations to 40 schools.
Taking the commitment further, Davis & Shirtliff extends these mentorship opportunities beyond its workforce. For example, on International Women’s Day 2023, the company partnered with ‘Be The Engineer’ for a full-day seminar. ‘Be The Engineer’ is an organisation dedicated to providing girls and young women access to Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) mentorship through various activities, including leadership seminars and skill-based STEM boot camps. Actively participating in initiatives that empower and uplift women helps Davis & Shirtliff foster growth within its own ranks but also contributes to a more inclusive and supportive corporate landscape.
A stalwart in upholding good corporate governance, Davis & Shirtliff’s privacy policy places a premium on transparency, user consent, and robust data protection. The company systematically gathers diverse information categories – personal details, contact details, and usage details – each with a clearly defined purpose. The focus on user-provided information, acquired through registration or voluntary submissions, underscores a dedicated commitment to respecting user autonomy. The stated purposes for information collection align seamlessly with operational needs, legal compliance, and service enhancement, illustrating a responsible and principled approach to data handling.
Furthermore, the company’s recent attainment of the Integrated Management System (IMS) certification stresses its unwavering commitment to robust systems in quality, environment, and health and safety. The certification, encompassing ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 standards, aligns with global concerns on climate change and sustainability. With coverage across the group’s 96 sites in 10 countries, the certification, valid for three years, symbolises a dedication to streamlined management processes, cost reduction, enhanced overall performance, and a demonstration of commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. The certification not only positions Davis & Shirtliff as a leader in its industry but also exemplifies its dedication to operating at the highest standards of corporate governance.
Standing tall among family businesses, Davis & Shirtliff fully embraces ESG principles and practices, a testament to the leadership of its Chair, Alec Davis, and the professionally constituted board of directors: a true beacon of excellence.
