Crown Paints partners with KIE to train local painters

By Standard Correspondent

Crown Paints has entered into a partnership with the Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) to enhance the business skills of local painters.

The paint manufacturer and KIE have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).  Under this pact, KIE would provide financial and business development support to painters trained by Crown, a move aimed at enhancing their ability to start and run successful businesses.

According to Crown Paints Chief Executive Rakesh Rao, the deal with KIE is part of the company’s efforts to improve painting standards in the construction industry.

Basic skills

“This year alone, we have trained 5,000 painters. Our goal is to increase this number to 10,000 by the end of the year. Painters form an important link in our value chain,” he said.

Rao said the partnership with KIE would help them (painters) to not only grow their trade, but also contribute to the country’s economic development. Crown Paints trained 6,000 painters last year. Besides acquiring basic skills in painting, beneficiaries of the project are also trained in environmentally safe use of paint products.

KIE Managing Director Julius Mokogi said equipping painters with business development skills will empower them to compete for bigger contracts.

He said the pact would provide entrepreneurial capacity, building, and consultancy services to painters.