Canton Building and Construction Limited, a family-owned business based in Ruiru, approximately 30 kilometers from Nairobi, is marking a significant milestone this year—30 years in operation. An achievement that speaks volumes, especially in the competitive construction sector where many businesses struggle to survive beyond their first decade. The company’s journey began in 1996, when Mr. Manji Kerai, established the company. His tireless work ethic and vision were instrumental in the company’s early days and continue to guide its growth today. Mr Kerai now serves as the Chairman.
Mr. Vinay Varsani, the company’s General Manager, shared insights into the firm’s evolution, its challenges, and its continued success. Mr. Varsani works alongside his brother, Mr. Yogesh Kerai, the Managing Director, to drive the company’s operations.
Humble Beginnings
Canton Building and Construction Limited rose from humble beginnings. Mr. Varsani recalled the company’s modest start. “Canton Building and Construction Limited was founded in 1996 by our Chairman, Mr. Manji Kerai. He started with a very small company, handling small-scale projects such as tile works and renovations. But today, we’ve grown to handle large-scale projects, including high-rise buildings and luxury developments.”
The company, now a leading player in the construction industry, employs around 110 to 115 people across its various departments, including Steel, Timber, and Projects. These teams include skilled professionals like Quantity Surveyors, all contributing to the company’s success.
The Secret to Longevity
Mr Varsani attributes the company’s remarkable 30-year run to a simple, yet powerful formula. “Canton Building and Construction Limited has always prioritized delivering the best quality work at a price our clients are comfortable with. We never compromise on quality. That’s why we’ve been able to maintain a strong reputation and continue getting work in this competitive industry.”
Reflecting on the company’s early challenges, Mr. Varsani emphasizes the resilience of the company’s founder. “Our Chairman, Mr. Manji Kerai, faced many challenges when he started the company. Securing credit from suppliers was difficult, and finding projects was even harder. But through hard work, persistence, and a clear vision, he was able to overcome these hurdles. His commitment to never cutting corners or compromising on quality has been a cornerstone of the company’s growth.”
Values That Drive Success
For Mr. Varsani, the values of integrity, honesty, and quality have been central to Canton Building and Construction Limited’s long-term success. “Every company has its vision and values. Our vision, established by our Chairman, is simple, yet it’s been the guiding principle for everyone at Canton Building and Construction Limited. We prioritize integrity, quality, and timely project completion. These values have been essential to our longevity.”
A Diverse Portfolio of Services
Over the years, the company has honed its expertise in specialized areas. While it initially took on any project that came its way, today, Canton Building and Construction Limited operates with specialized teams that handle specific aspects of construction, from steel works to aluminum and timber. Mr. Varsani explains, “We have dedicated teams for steel works, aluminum, and timber. These specialized departments make it easier for us to manage complex projects. Whether we’re working on industrial buildings like factories or luxury residential projects, we have the expertise to deliver high-quality results.”
Canton’s Approach to Human Resources
Mr. Varsani takes pride in the company’s commitment to nurturing young talent. “At Canton Building and Construction Limited, we believe in investing in young talent. For example, our head of accounts started with us as a student, and today, she’s managing our accounts department. While we do hire experienced professionals, we also hire and train young people from schools, giving them the skills they need to succeed in the construction industry.”
Each year, the company trains around 25 to 30 young individuals, preparing them for careers as Quantity Surveyors, Civil Engineers, and other professionals in the construction industry.
Capacity to Handle Multiple Projects
In terms of capacity, Canton Building and Construction Limited boasts an extensive inventory of equipment that allows it to handle multiple projects simultaneously. “We have a large inventory of equipment, including machines for road works and high-rise buildings,” said Mr. Varsani. “We have tow trains, excavators, and rollers, among other equipment. Our capacity allows us to manage 8 to 9 projects at any given time without any constraints.”
A Focus on Private Sector Projects
Canton Building and Construction Limited has made its mark in the private sector, completing numerous high-profile projects over the years. While the company has not yet ventured into government projects, Mr. Varsani expressed openness to the possibility, especially given the opportunities within affordable housing. “Canton Building and Construction Limited has specialized in the private sector. We’ve worked exclusively with private clients over the years, and we’re happy with that focus. However, we would be open to government projects if the opportunity arises, especially with the potential growth in affordable housing.”
Client Retention Through Quality and Service
When asked how the company manages to retain clients in such a competitive industry, Mr. Varsani emphasizes the importance of quality and service. “The key to retaining clients is consistently providing high-quality work and excellent service within their budget. We also offer expert advice on how to improve projects, and clients really appreciate that. Even with the intense competition, our reputation has allowed us to maintain long-lasting relationships with our clients.”
Notable Projects and Geographic Reach
Over the years, Canton Building and Construction Limited has successfully completed several high-profile projects. Mr. Varsani highlighted some of the most notable ones, including Lifestyle Heights Phase 1 in Tatu City and Phase 2, which is currently under construction. “We’ve completed several significant projects, such as Lifestyle Heights Phase 1 in Tatu City and Phase 2. We also completed the Wood Creek School in Kiambu and the Potterhouse School, a luxury institution. Another major project was the Five Star Paradise housing estate, which we completed last year.”
The company’s reach extends beyond Nairobi, with projects in cities like Mombasa and Kisumu. “Yes, we do work outside Nairobi. While many of our current projects are within the city, we have also completed projects in Mombasa and Kisumu,” Mr. Varsani confirmed.
Challenges in the Construction Industry
The construction industry, as Mr. Varsani points out, is not without its challenges. “Challenges are part of the daily reality in construction. For example, machinery breakdowns can delay work, and weather conditions—especially heavy rain—pose a significant challenge. However, we’ve always been proactive in addressing issues as they arise, whether it’s coordinating with subcontractors or solving equipment problems. The key is finding solutions, not focusing on the problems.”
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Canton Building and Construction Limited has always placed great emphasis on giving back to the community. “Every two to three months, we engage in charity events, such as food distribution at schools across the country”, says Mr Varsani. “We’ve also supported women’s health initiatives by providing sanitary products.”
The company also works with Lions Club, a charity organization that operates in more than 200 countries.
“Internally, we assist our employees with their personal needs whenever necessary,” Mr. Varsani explains.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Mr. Varsani shares the company’s vision for the future. “In the coming years, we want Canton Building and Construction Limited to be fully recognized for our contribution to the built environment. We also aim to prioritize sustainability and the greening of our projects. We’re not fans of building concrete jungles, and we want to focus on constructing environmentally friendly, sustainable buildings.”
