There have been several important miles tones and developments recently celebrated at D&S, particularly our 80th anniversary, an achievement by any standards. On a personal note I now mention another this month my 50th anniversary of joining the company after I arrived back in Kenya having completed my university education. In the time there has been extraordinary change everywhere in the world, in Kenya and of course at D&S. Then Kenya's population was about 13 million and the exchange rate was about KES8 to the USD. Today we are about 55 million and a thriving society with an infrastructure that could not have been imagined then. Certainly Kenya has hugely progressed both socially and economically and it is great to see Kenyans now truly in charge of their destiny.
D&S has also changed beyond recognition and I'm proud that we have successfully built on the strong base that the founding partners established. Again the development has been beyond any possibilities imagined then and we are now a major regional institution. I'm also gratified with the contribution we have made in leading development of the Kenyan and indeed regional water industry and also the impact we have had on our communities living our ‘Improving Lives’ mission. Particularly I'm most grateful to the many colleagues who have supported me over the years and helped create the special organization we are today.
I'm extremely fortunate to have my two sons Edward and Henry working in the business who ultimately will assume the family's responsibility. The company is in a strong position both financially and strategically with the branch network, distribution capacity and the Dayliff brand being particular strengths, though we face many challenges and opportunities, both driven by the digital and AI revolution. Fortunately, the products we sell cannot be digitally replaced and our water and energy sectors remain fundamental to the growth of the region. Who knows what the next 50 years will bring, I will be viewing from elsewhere, but I hope the path we have so far followed will be the inspiration for that future!
