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CROWN PAINTS
Established in 1958, Crown Paints Kenya stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the East African paint industry. With an impressive workforce of over 1,200 dedicated employees, Crown Paints has emerged as a key player, not only in Kenya but also in the broader East African region, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), the company has earned its reputation as the most innovative paint company in the region, producing a remarkable 3 million litres of paint monthly.
What sets Crown Paints apart is its dedicated people-first, planet-focused approach. By providing tailor-made solutions to both construction and retail sectors, along with world-class after-sales support, Crown Paints epitomises a holistic business model. Its dedication to Environment Social and Governance (ESG) practices, evident in its focus on both people and the planet, has not only driven the company’s success but also positioned it as a leader in the industry.
Crown Paints stands at the forefront of environmental stewardship, exemplifying its commitment to the ‘E’ in ESG through a series of proactive initiatives. Within its operations, the company has fully embraced a green initiative, transforming its practices and processes to align with eco-friendly principles. One notable stride is the complete shift to solar energy, illuminating its premises with energy-efficient LED bulbs powered solely by solar panels.
Moreover, Crown Paints has made water harvesting a standard practice, showcasing its dedication to conservation of the precious resource. When it comes to product manufacturing, Crown Paints takes a lead by producing paints that are not only vibrant and high-quality but also environmentally responsible. All produced paints are entirely lead-free and crafted from non-volatile organic chemicals (non-VOC), ensuring they emit no harmful odours and are friendly to the environment. Additionally, Crown Paints responsibly disposes of any unused paints through a National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)-approved waste system.
Crown Paints exemplifies its commitment to people, seamlessly integrating a deep sense of social responsibility into its core operations. Within the company, Crown Paints fosters a collegial working environment, where employees are not just workers but valued team members. Spotlighting equality and structured leadership, every staff member is consulted in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard on matters concerning business development and their own welfare. The company values continuous employee development, offering intensive training sessions that enhance efficiency and provide ample opportunities for staff growth. Smart tools training ensures both the safety of painters and boosts efficiency, leading to superior results.
Furthermore, Crown Paints pioneers the ‘Paka Rangi, Pata Pesa’ Painters’ Loyalty Program, functioning as a SACCO, aiding painters in saving for personal and familial needs. Through this program, painters earn points, exchangeable for essential items like foodstuffs and utility bill payments, fostering their motivation and contributing significantly to their personal development.
In terms of gender diversity and inclusivity, Crown Paints sets a remarkable precedent by having over 60 percent of its direct employees, including senior management, composed of women, reflecting its commitment to empowering women in the workforce.
Beyond its corporate confines, Crown Paints extends its influence into the community through diverse outreach programs. These initiatives include sponsoring local golf tournaments, nurturing local talents, organising food donation drives, aiding the less fortunate, and fostering creativity through art competitions, providing a platform for fun learning among students. This holistic approach to community engagement underscores Crown Paints’ dedication to uplifting the lives of its employees and the communities it serves, exemplifying the social aspect of ESG practices with genuine care and commitment.
Exemplary corporate governance goes hand-in-hand with Crown Paints’ operations. Rooted in a philosophy built on ethical and transparent business operations, the company fosters an organisational culture centred around performance and organisational health. The Board of Directors, comprising a mix of executive and non-executive directors, upholds the highest standards of governance. Their decisions are guided by principles such as integrity, execution excellence, customer orientation, fairness, accountability, transparency, and social responsibility. This commitment is manifested through regular quarterly meetings, ensuring meticulous review of the company’s performance, compliance, significant transactions, and risk management. The Board’s composition reflects diversity, enriching discussions and decision-making processes.
Moreover, Crown Paints emphasises stakeholder communication, promptly disclosing material corporate developments and events, ensuring transparency and adherence to stringent regulatory requirements. The company also values its shareholders’ active participation, encouraging their engagement through regular communications and annual general meetings. Through its unwavering adherence to governance principles and dedication to stakeholder respect, Crown Paints exemplifies a corporate entity deeply committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible leadership.
Crown Paints is a model of innovation and excellence in the East African paint industry. Its people-first, planet-focused approach, exemplary corporate governance, and commitment to community upliftment underscore its dedication to impactful ESG principles, laying the foundation for a sustainable and responsible future.
