Firm announces Sh40m plan to train painters

Listed paint maker, Crown Paints Kenya, is investing Sh40 million to train painters with advanced modern painting skills.

Chief Executive Officer Rakesh Rao said the firm’s investment is meant to train painters across East Africa.

“Recruitment will be done in all major cities nationwide. By doing this, we shall be able to reach many customers, since we want to work with zero queues,” he said while announcing the investment decision.

By setting these funds aside, Mr Rao said, Crown Paints will be able to train at least 200 painters, by the end of 2014. “We want to take paint to the masses that is why we are training painters. Our aim is to train 3000 painters in the next three years,” he added in a statement.

Since the opening of Crown Paints Showrooms in three major towns, Mr Rao said demand for designers paints and coating has enormously grown; hence the need to equip painters with relevant skills in the market.

“Demand has grown and we are unable to satisfy our customers’ needs due to painter’s shortage. The demand is being catapulted by choice, since most customers are well travelled. Before, we were selling a lot of basic paints.

Currently, designers coating contributes at least 10 per cent of our paints sale. Designers coating generates value, satisfaction and delight,” Mr Rao explained. Some of the designer’s coatings are armourcoat and flowcrete.