In Kenya, people use the term ‘Jua Kali’ to describe the enterprising entrepreneurs who – often while working in the equatorial heat – can fix or build almost anything. Directly translated from Kiswahili it means “fierce sun”, but its more common meaning is, simply, “get it done”.
“It means improvising,” laughed Joseph Rotich, owner of Kenyan timber treatment company Brookewood Limited. “And that’s exactly what we have been doing as we improve and expand our facility!”
Dolphin Bay is helping Brookewood to optimise their CCA treatment plant through a range of improvements. “They are helping us grow our business,” said Joseph. “And we are also in talks with local manufacturers to supply us with more equipment.”
Entrepreneurial Kenyan company Brookewood opts for reliable CCA supply.
Brookewood has joined a growing list of satisfied Dolphin Bay partners in East Africa. The family-run business operates the treatment plant in Kericho County’s famous tea-growing region.
Dolphin Bay’s Wayne Driemeyer describes the Brookewood team as “warm and welcoming”, adding: “It’s a well-run operation. They are very conscientious about their timber treating. They like to know that it’s right, and they’re doing things properly.
“I met them in 2019, on my first trip to Kenya, and called in on them on subsequent visits. They’ve been operating for about six years now, and their main business is treating utility poles. They also sawmill for plantation owners and provide shorter fencing posts for the local market. Most of their raw material comes from the local tea plantations.”
Brookewood owner Joseph Rotich works alongside his son Nicholas Kurgat, the plant manager. “In 2021 Joseph told me he wanted consistency and to have full control over the supply chain in his business,” said Wayne. “We spoke, and after a few more visits he said, ‘Let’s do this!’ So, we put the deal together.”
“We are so excited and thank God for the relationship we have with Dolphin Bay,” Joseph concluded. “We pray that the relationship will endure for many more years.”
“Our work with Brookewood brings life to our saying, ‘Knowing we can make a difference,’ said Bertus.
Source: Dolphin Bay Chemicals
