In the aftermath of the devastating floods that have recently struck Isiolo County and left approximately 5,000 people displaced, families received donations from well-wishers from the community and corporate sector to cushion them against the impact of the floods.
The office of MP Joseph Samal, after calling for generous donations to alleviate the suffering of the affected population, received donations from Pwani Oil Products Limited.
The MP’s team revealed that 1008 litres of cooking oil and 500kg of soap were distributed to the victims.
They also extended an appeal to other non-governmental organizations to join hands in aiding the flood victims and to support the communities in rebuilding their lives.
Isiolo NGCDF Chairman Alfred Tinan emphasized the impact of the floods, acknowledging the challenges faced by the community in regaining stability.
“The El Niño rains have affected approximately 5000 people in Isiolo. Families have lost their loved ones, livestock, homes, and crops. We want to thank everyone for their kind contributions towards the affected families,” said Tinan.
He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to address the widespread consequences of the natural disaster.
Susan Njeru Mungai, an official from Pwani Oil Products Limited, shed light on the company’s decision to take proactive measures in response to the ongoing crisis.
Mungai said that as the region strives to rebuild, even the smallest acts of kindness could have a profound impact on those facing adversity.
Recent floods in Kenya have killed at least 71 people and displaced thousands due to the unusually active El Niño rains. Thousands of homes have been marooned, while farmland in many parts of the country remains submerged and livestock drowns.
Pwani Oil Limited has announced a significant investment in an ultra-modern Home Care and Personal Care manufacturing plant, the first of its kind in the East Africa Region.
Located inside the Kikambala factory, the plant is an addition to the edible oils and soap plant and is part of Pwani Oil’s commitment to proactively meet the ever-evolving needs and preferences of Kenyan consumers.
As a liquid detergent plant, the additional establishment will focus on manufacturing an extensive range of home and personal care products, a diversification moves away from Pwani Oils’ renowned oil-based products. This will include an array of innovative solutions such as dishwashers, floor pastes, fabric softeners, milking jelly, shower gels, hand and body wash, shampoo, conditioners, and body lotions, among others.
Speaking at the new plant, Pwani Oil Commercial Director Rajul Malde said, “With this expansion, we are not only diversifying our product offerings but also demonstrating our commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation. We are excited to bring these high-quality, environmentally friendly products to Kenyan households and contribute to a greener future.“
The liquid detergent plant boasts an impressive production capacity, enabling the manufacture of 40 tonnes of dish washing pastes, dish washing liquid, and floor cleaners daily. Additionally, it will produce 12 tonnes of personal care products per day, encompassing milking jelly, petroleum jelly, lotions, creams, and an assortment of soaps. These high-quality products are expected to have a shelf life exceeding 2.5 years, ensuring long-lasting freshness and effectiveness.
With a vision for growth and a commitment to innovation, Pwani Oil anticipates that this new investment will contribute more than 20 per cent of its overall business by the year 2032.
On Safety and environmental responsibility, the plant is designed to be environmentally sustainable and adheres to stringent manufacturing standards as this was a central consideration in its establishment. It complies with Home Care and Food Care regulations, ensuring the highest level of safety for consumers.
“We have implemented rigorous quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring that the products remain uncontaminated by bacteria. The entire production process is automated, eliminating the risk of human contact”. Said Malde.
In addition, Sustainability is at the forefront of the plants and the entire Pwani oil operations. The company has made substantial investments to minimize its environmental impact. The liquid detergent plant incorporates a water treatment facility, enabling water recycling and conservation. Rainwater harvesting, in conjunction with water purifiers, helps to replenish the plant’s water supply.
Moreover, Pwani Oil has demonstrated its commitment to renewable energy by installing solar power plants across the facility, generating 1.2 megawatts of solar power and 1.4 megawatts of steam turbine-generated power. These initiatives highlight Pwani Oil’s dedication to sustainable practices and its contribution to a greener future.
The inauguration of Pwani Oil’s liquid detergent plant and the introduction of its diverse range of home and personal care products represent a significant milestone for the company and the Kenyan market.
Five primary school pupils from rural schools in the country have emerged tops in the 2nd edition of the Pwani Oil Sawa Essay National writing competition where 7,361 schools across 42 counties participated.
The competition was conducted in partnership with the Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association (KEPSHA). It is in line with Pwani Oils’ mission to refine the lives of communities around them by sharpening creative writing and thinking skills among pupils.
Ashley Micere Kiumbe from Nyeri, Joel Chelot from West Pokot, Carol Shelmith Makena from Embu, Deborah Wanjiku from Nairobi and Isabella Amanda from Isiolo emerged as the overall National winners of the competition. Ashley Micere Kiumbe from Nyeri was the overall winner.
The five were feted during the Sawa Essay Awards Ceremony held in Pwani Oils Kikambala plant, Mombasa County.
Ashley Micere Kiumbe from Nyeri was the overall winner.
They each received a 3-day fully paid trip to Mombasa, including a first-hand experience of Pwani Oil’s Kikambala Plant. They also received certificates, trophies and assorted gifts from the award’s key partners Sawa, Trufoods, Kartasi Brand and Umoja Rubbers.
The ceremony was graced by the Ministry of Education Quality Assurance and Standards Assistant Director, Mr. Eliud Wambua who represented the Ministry of Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
Giving his remarks, Wambua not only congratulated the winners but also key stakeholders on their intentionality and commitment to supporting the education agenda in the country.
“We from the ministry appreciate the milestones made to date. Looking at the partners in this gathering today, we see a unity of purpose underscored by a vision to refine the lives of communities around us. It is through such competitions that we test the quality of education our children receive in their respective institutions. Therefore, we must never stop challenging our pupils to think over and above their classrooms. This strengthens and expands their thinking capacity and prepares them for better opportunities in the near future”, he said.
He noted that in this era of rapid technological advancement and ever-evolving global challenges, the ability to articulate and express ideas in small children is crucial.
“The Education ministry recognizes the importance of nurturing and encouraging young writers. We firmly believe that every student has a unique voice that deserves to be heard,” he said.
He said the ministry is committed to fostering a culture of creativity and excellence in education and committed to creating a safe environment for all stakeholders, including school children, parents and partners, to thrive.
“This is the kind of environment where we will help our children grow and become well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society,” he noted.
Pwani Oil Commercial Director Rajul Malde said, “At Sawa, we believe in the power of ideas and the strength of the written word. Through this competition, we sought to ignite the flames of creativity and inspire the next generation of thinkers and storytellers. And I must say, we have been overwhelmed by the sheer brilliance and passion displayed in the essays submitted. I congratulate all the winners and affirm our commitment to continuously support dreams and refine lives through our products and services”.
“Education should be the cornerstone of progress and teachers have a vital role in inspiring and nurturing the spirit of curiosity in learners, he further noted.
Innovation, he said, is about finding that disruption that the consumer desires but does not know they desire it.
KEPSHA National Chairman, Johnson Nzioka congratulated all the winners noting that each essay was a testament to the potential within every individual to shape our society and drive positive change.
“Through their essays, these talented individuals have demonstrated the power of empathy, critical thinking, and creativity. They have offered us new lenses through which to view the world, encouraging us to reflect, question, and act. Their words have the potential to shape opinions, influence policies, and inspire generations to come. We commit, through their schools, to offer all the necessary support and build their growth towards achieving their desired dreams”.
Nzioka said the essay competition augurs well with the CBC, which is being implemented in the country at the moment, and therefore needs to be up-scaled.
He said such strategic partnerships are a crucial part of the association and will strive to draw in more partners for different co-curricular activities.
In its second edition, the competition targeted grades 6 and 7 pupils who focused on the theme Roses are Red and Violets are Blue, Color the world to reflect you. The theme aimed at sharpening their creative writing and thinking skills.
The overall winner Ashley Micere Kiumbe, was overcome with emotions after being crowned the National winner of the Easy writing competition.
“It’s a feeling beyond words, I just feel elated, excited, proud, happy and it’s just a feeling of emotions,” she said.
“For me, I wrote my essay concerning how color is important for our world. How colors are used to describe different emotions, so I wrote to help on how I see I can make the world a better place,” Micere further said.
