VITTORIO VENEZIANI, the driving force behind the well-known Italbuild Group, has been a prominent figure in Kenya’s construction industry for over three decades. Originally from Italy, he made Kenya his home and quickly established himself as a leader in the sector. In this interview, he reflects on his journey—from his roots in Italy to his entry into the construction industry—and offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the industry in Kenya.
Can you tell us about your educational background and how it influenced your entrepreneurship in the construction industry?
My education took place in Italy, across different regions, as my father was an Admiral in the Navy and was frequently posted to various locations. I eventually earned degrees in Engineering and Mathematics. At that time, my true passion was Mathematics, so I didn’t initially consider a career in the construction industry. It was only later, when I moved to Kenya with my wife in 1991, that my involvement in construction began to take shape.
What motivated you to enter the construction industry in Kenya?
When we first moved to Kenya, we settled in Malindi, where we began our activities as developers. We purchased and subdivided land to build holiday projects for foreign clients. After the Likoni clashes in 1997, which caused the tourism market to collapse due to security concerns, we decided to relocate to Nairobi. There, we began specializing in roofing and waterproofing. It was only later that we expanded into general contracting, developing several projects for the Kenyan government.
When did you establish Italbuild Imports Ltd, and what were some key projects the company successfully completed?
We established Italbuild Imports Ltd in 1997, opening our first office in Mombasa. However, in 1998, we moved our main office to Nairobi while maintaining a presence in Mombasa. We took on several challenging roofing and waterproofing projects, such as the full waterproofing of Mombasa Airport, the KICC, Safari Club, and other iconic buildings in Nairobi. We also handled the entire roofing for the Great Rift Valley development in Naivasha, Sopa Lodges in Naivasha and Tarangire, and Serena Hotels in Nairobi and the Mara.
Later, as we expanded into general construction, we completed various significant projects for the Kenyan government, including the construction of the Deputy President’s residence in Karen, the Malindi Law Court, the full overhaul of civil works at GSU Ruiru, and the complete drainage system overhaul at PSTC Ruiru.
How did Scala Enterprises Limited come into existence, and what was your vision for the company at that time?
We met some Italian friends who were experts in joinery and wanted to start a business in Kenya. We decided to form a joint venture. However, after a year, they had differences and chose to return to Italy. At that point, Scala Enterprises was established to focus on producing high-quality interior finishes, including kitchens, wardrobes, timber floors, doors, windows, and other interior elements with an Italian design aesthetic. This is a line of business that we still pursue today, and we’ve perfected our work to the highest standards.
What range of products and services does Scala Enterprises Limited offer, and how do these address the needs of the Kenyan market?
In addition to our range of interior design and finishes, Scala has now expanded into the roofing and waterproofing sectors, taking over these operations from Italbuild, which now focuses solely on general construction.
After nearly 30 years in the construction industry, how would you assess the evolution and current state of the construction industry in Kenya?
Thirty years ago, the Kenyan construction industry was lagging about 20 years behind European standards. However, progress has been incredible, and today the gap has almost disappeared. This has largely been thanks to the opportunities provided by the internet, which has enabled Kenyan architects and professionals to access the global pool of building techniques and contractual knowledge.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in the Kenyan construction sector, and how have you navigated them?
When we first started, one of the biggest challenges was finding skilled artisans, particularly along the coast. However, over time, the situation improved. We made it a priority to train our personnel, and today, many of the craftsmen we trained are at the top of their profession. Our first foremen are still with us since the company’s inception.
How important are sustainability and innovation in your business practices, and can you share any initiatives Scala Enterprises has undertaken in this area?
Sustainability and innovation are central to our operations. We are members of the Green Building Society and are committed to environmentally responsible practices in the sourcing and application of materials. All our materials are ISO certified and eco-friendly.
What future trends do you foresee impacting the construction industry in Kenya, and how is Scala Enterprises preparing for them?
The Kenyan construction industry is increasingly aligning with international trends. However, progress is happening rapidly, and innovations like Artificial Intelligence are expected to further disrupt the industry. We recognize this shift and are actively preparing to adapt and capitalize on these advancements.
Outside of work, what hobbies and interests do you pursue to unwind and recharge?
I have a holiday house in Malindi where I enjoy spending weekends and holidays with my family. We are passionate about dogs, and we have many of them in Malindi, Nairobi, and even at the office – many of them were rescued from dire situations. I also enjoy reading, staying updated on international news, and, when time allows, playing a challenging online game called Backgammon.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially given the demands of running a successful company?
I love my job, and I’m passionate about training our staff to understand and implement the highest construction standards. When you love what you do, it becomes easier to manage the stress and challenges of daily life. It’s all about balancing your passion with the demands of the job.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to enter the construction industry in Kenya today?
My advice would be to always follow your heart and passion. If you pursue something you love, you’ll excel in your career and lead a happy, successful life. If you force yourself into a field you don’t enjoy, you’ll always feel stuck in a professional limbo. Also, modern life favours specialists. Choose your field, train yourself, and specialize – this is your best chance for success.
