News and Press

Group Chairman Alec Davis with Group CEO David Gatende with new appointments Incoming CEO George Mbugua, International Business Director Anthony Wangondu, CFO Micheal Kanyugi

It always surprises me how quickly Christmas passes and the new year then starts running away from us, it already being March! At D&S we start the year finalising the Annual Plan that is presented groupwide in a plenary meeting now made easier with virtual communication so those in the Group's farthest outposts can participate.

There is much planned and as usual it will be a busy and hopefully successful year not constrained by the restrictions of Covid which thankfully now seems to be in retreat with the world moving on. However, its effects continue to be felt, especially economically and the world supply chain is yet to recover with ongoing delayed deliveries and increasing inflation that must feed through into higher prices. We do what we can to contain them but regretfully like everyone we have to pass them on.

One seminal event in the forthcoming year will be the retirement of long serving CEO David Gatende in May, who will be sorely missed but it will pre-empt a number of senior executive changes. The key appointment that I'm delighted to announce is the promotion of CFO George Mbugua to the role of new CEO. George has had an exemplary 26-year career with the Group and his financial, commercial and communication skills make him the ideal candidate to lead its continued evolution. I'm also very pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Kanyugi, the present Chief Accountant, to replace George as CFO. He has extensive experience with the Group and is well qualified for the role. Another major appointment is Anthony Wangondu to lead the new International Business Division with responsibility for all regional markets outside Kenya. He also has had a long exemplary career with the Group, latterly as Supply Director and will focus on growing this important area of the Group's activities. Replacing Anthony will be Henry Davis who is already well established as the GM Supply responsible for the Tatu Distribution Centre.

Below is featured several new products that have recently been introduced, all Dayliff branded as we expand the portfolio, some, like the mowers and DC solar fridges being diversifications from our usual activities. These will be sold through our expanded branch network that now includes Gikomba in Nairobi, Nyahururu in Rift Valley and Mkushi in Zambia that were all opened in the last few months. These initiatives are indications of our growth intentions and I look forward to all making their contributions in the future.