Coast-based paint maker eyes East African market

Employees of Mombasa based paint manufacturer, Rangi Africa Limited join Managing Director , Mr Zaheer Charania ( extreme right) in a show of display for products under its stable at its Mombasa based plant . PICS GEDION MAUNDU

Coast-based paint manufacturer Rangi Africa Limited is keen to expand its wings to other counties in Kenya and tap into the East African market.

Speaking to Weekend Business in Mombasa, the firm's Managing Director Zaheer Charania said following their successful exploits in the local market, they now have their guns blazing towards the East African region.

"We are not stuck in the domestic market but are keen to expand and tap into the lucrative East African Community (EAC) market which we hope to venture in the next couple of years," the MD said. Rangi Africa, which started developing its own range of paint brands in 2014, now wants to take on established players in the paint industry through product diversification.

The company produces different types of paint including silk paint, emulsion paints, acrylic paint, among others. Apart from paint, the firm also produces varnishes, wood glue, and other finishing products. In less than two years in the market, the firm has expanded its footprint beyond Mombasa.

"We have our presence felt in Mombasa and beyond. Our products are available in far flung locations like Lamu, Malindi and the larger Kilifi, South Coast and even Taita –Taveta counties,'' Mr Charania, the firm's founder said.

Today, the firm located along Chonyi Road, opposite the Mombasa Railway Station, manufactures and produces decorative paint. From an initial 350 square foot factory premises to a newer 8,000 square feet floor, the company distributes its brands of paint products to approximately 300 stores that include emulsions and enamel paints.

The firm is taking advantage the growth in the construction industry with key among the major projects being the Standard Gauge (SGR), Dongo Kundu By pass and both Mombasa port expansion and the Lamu Port to grow.

Charania said the company is in the process of rolling out industrial and automotive paints.