Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility
“The future enters into us, in order to transform itself in us, long
before it happens,” is a famous quote by the late Austrian poet
and novelist Rainer Maria Rilke. In the past three years, Crown
Paints Kenya Limited has been actively involved in transforming
the lives of the underprivileged in the society. Steered by its
mantra ‘Transforming Lives through Colours’, Crown Paints opted
to sponsor the Transform Kenya Awards in a move to touch more
lives. Transform Kenya Awards is an initiative by Standard Group
and Deloitte East Africa to recognise individuals who have made a
significant contribution towards positive change in the country.
To celebrate individuals, institutions and businesses that are
committed to elevating the quality of life for Kenyans, we chose
to sponsor the Green Award Category. The category augured well
with its strategy; given that in April, Crown Paints announced an 80
percent production and adoption of water-based paint. Announcing
the move, Rakesh Rao, Crown Paints Kenya Limited CEO said,
“Today, water-based paints dominate and account for roughly
80 percent of the paints that we are selling. With environmental
issues coming to the fore, paint manufacturers globally are busy
formulating new products that cut down on VOCs (volatile organic
compounds).” The cut down on carbon-reliant paints better known as
oil-based in preparation and manufacturing of paints was driven by
the new industry legislation.
During the first half of 2014, Crown Paints Kenya Limited sponsored
several CSR opportunities to uplift the livelihoods of less unfortunate
people in the society. Frommusic to arts, environment, education,
health and hospitality, we took a bold move to invest in unusual
sectors. Rao says, “In 2013, we upheld our commitment to
supporting societies and enhancing the environment in which
we operate. We have joined hands with different organisations
by donating towards projects in line with their mission. CSR has
assumed a new meaning in today’s world. It has extended the
boundaries of the firm into the society. “
In recent years, CSR has become an increasingly important activity
to businesses nationally and internationally. Through our CSR
program, Crown Paints is putting a high impact on society and
Transforming lives through colours
Kylo Wambua and Elizabeth Amejen, pupils at Amrita Children’s school, their
Director Isabel del Valle and the past Chair of the school, Priti Shah proudly
holding a generous donation.
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Crown Paints Kenya Limited is investing
Ksh 40 million which will be used to train
and equip painters with advanced modern
painting skills. Announcing the investment,
Crown Paints Kenya CEO, Rakesh Rao said,
“We are investing Ksh 40 million to train
painters across East Africa. Recruitment
will be done in all major cities nationwide.
By doing this, we shall be able to reach many
customers, since we want to work with
zero queues.”
By setting these funds aside, Crown Paints
will be able to train at least 200 painters,
by the end of 2014. “We want to take paint
to the masses; that’s why we are training
painters. Our aim is to train 3,000 painters
Ksh 40 million to equip painters with skills
Some of the painters and Crown partners enjoying the match at
Nyayo Stadium.
Painting the newly built children’s cancer ward at Kenyatta National Hospital.
CEO Crown Paints Rakesh Rao (left), the Taj Mall Director Ramesh Gorasia
(centre) and Embakasi North MP Hon. Irshard Sumra (right), plant a tree
along outer ring road during a walk dubbed, “Tree planting Walk” organised
by the Taj Mall in conjunction with SwamirayanAcademy Embakasi and
supported by Crown Paints.
MTN Business Kenya Managing Director Tom Omariba receives paint jerry
cans from Crown Paints Kenya CEO Rakesh Rao. As part of its annual CSR,
MTN Business Kenya will set up a library and an ICT learning center in
Maralal Primary School. Crown Paints Kenya announced its 75 litres of paint
sponsorship toward the library project.
supporting government directly or indirectly for betterment of
society. In the last six months, Crown Paints has been proactive
in sponsorship for destitute and underprivileged children through
feeding programmes, talent development, school fees support and
transformation of learning environment.”
In March, we extended our painting program to health care facilities,
where we used world class products that drastically reduce the
rate of bacteria multiplication, hence lowering the risk of infection.
One of the projects was undertaken at Kenyatta National Hospital
(KNH). Through a partnership with the Israeli Embassy, we painted
the newly built Children’s Cancer Ward at KNH. The ward will offer
a more comfortable and conducive environment to young patients
hospitalised at the facility. At the end of the two hour event, KNH
thanked all the partners for their continued support through
strategic partnerships with the hospital which have helped the
Kenyan government in overcoming some of the challenges being
experienced in the health sector. Crown Paints also sponsored the
annual Mater Hospital Heart Run to a tune of Ksh 100,000.
During the same period, we committed a sizable budget by painting
several schools countrywide. The visible projects included Nyawara
Primary School, Ongalo Secondary School (both in Kisumu), Maralal
Primary School (this was a partnership with MTN Business Kenya)
and Amrita School in Nairobi amongst others. While announcing the
75 litres of paint sponsorship to MTN Business Kenya, Rao disclosed,
“At Crown Paints, we are passionate about education since we
believe in supporting children’s future. They are the generation that
will change our destination in the coming years.”
Other notable CSR activities that Crown Paints participated in
were the Embakasi Tree Planting and Nairobi county clean-up in
partnership with Brand Kenya. CEO Rakesh Rao was honoured to
deliver a talk on innovation to the distinguished African leaders
during the Kenya Institute of Management OPI Conference in
Mombasa. In his remarks, Rao told the participants, “Crown Paints
through its innovation and R&D department enjoys a 60 percent
market share in the premium range of paints and is expanding vastly
within the country as well as the surrounding countries. We look to
the future with great hope and expectations.”
in the next three years,” Rao added.
Since the opening of Crown Paints
showrooms in three major towns, Rao
revealed that the demand for designers
paints and coating has enormously grown,
hence the need to equip painters with
relevant skills in the market. “Demand has
grown and we are unable to satisfy our
customers’ needs due to a shortage of
professionally trained painters.
The demand is being catapulted by choice,
since most customers are well travelled.
Before, we were selling a lot of basic paints.
Currently, designer coating contributes at
least 10 percent of our paint sale. Designer
coating generates value, satisfaction
and delight,” Rao explained. Some of the
designer coatings are Armourcoat and
Flowcrete. He further added, “We are laying
a foundation and in the next three years,
we will be looking at volumes on designer
coatings. By doing this, our Crown Paints
brand will be growing stronger. We want to
change people’s lifestyles through colour.
Colour is not just changing walls, but using
high-end coating to make your dream house
beautiful.” Rao said the firm has put in place
several initiatives geared to promoting the
use of quality products to ensure safety and
long-life of buildings.
The showrooms also showcase designer
fashion finishes, textured finishes amongst
others. Earlier in July,
Crown Paints also
rewarded its loyal
painters with a World
Cup celebration like
no other. Painters
from Team Kubwa
were invited to Nyayo
Stadium to watch one
of the Quarter Finals
matches on a big
screen.
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