Scala Enterprises Limited is a prominent player in East Africa’s construction industry, specializing in high-end interior design, roofing and waterproofing. Founded in 2008, the company combines Italian craftsmanship with local expertise to deliver customized, high-quality solutions. Construction Kenya Showcase spoke to the company’s CEO, MR VITTORIO VENEZIANI.
Scala Enterprises Limited was founded in 2008, emerging from a joint venture with Italian partners who brought extensive experience in joinery works. “The vision was to develop interiors that reflect Italian taste and craftsmanship,” explains Mr. Vittorio Veneziani, the Chief Executive Officer of Scala Enterprises. After three years, the Italian partners returned to Italy, and Scala bought out their shares. This shift allowed the company to become a sister company of Italbuild Imports Ltd, a prominent player in the construction industry.
Scala Enterprises offers a wide range of products and services, focusing on interior design, construction, and installation, all while adhering to Italian standards of quality and design. “We design interiors to the client’s tastes and implement these through our workshop and artisans,” Mr. Veneziani elaborates. “Our services are deeply rooted in Italian taste and technology.” In addition to interior work, Scala also handles roofing and waterproofing, services that were initially managed by Italbuild Imports Ltd but transitioned to Scala over time.
Scala’s clientele is diverse, but the company primarily serves private clients looking for high-end, fully customized interiors. “We spend time and effort interpreting our client’s desires,” says Mr. Veneziani. Notable projects include the full internal refurbishment and partitioning of the CBK building on Haile Selassie Road in Nairobi. In roofing and waterproofing, Scala has earned a reputation as one of East Africa’s most professional contractors, providing consultation and implementation for a wide array of clients, from contractors to private individuals.
While Scala Enterprises does offer some products for sale, its primary business model revolves around contracts for the supply and installation of interiors. “In interiors, we produce much of the work in-house,” says Mr. Veneziani. “We use both imported and locally available materials.” For roofing and waterproofing, most materials are imported, including advanced products from Italy, Austria, China, and Egypt, as Kenya currently lacks local manufacturers for these specialized goods.
Scala’s competitive edge lies in its highly trained and skilled staff. “The Directors and Supervisors play a significant role in the performance of Scala,” Mr. Veneziani asserts. “Our staff undergoes extensive training both locally and abroad, ensuring that every project is meticulously handled.” The company’s approach is also collaborative, with frequent use of communication platforms like WhatsApp to keep clients involved in the project’s progress. “Clients often feel like they are in control of their project, as they can actively participate in discussions, share feedback, and see photos throughout the process.”
Some of Scala’s most prestigious projects include the internal refurbishment of the CBK building, a project valued at KSh 1.2 billion, where they were the main contractors overseeing 14 subcontractors. In the roofing and waterproofing sectors, Scala has worked on high-profile projects like the waterproofing of Mombasa Airport, the roof waterproofing of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), and several properties for Serena Hotels, including the Mara Serena Lodge.
When it comes to ensuring quality, Mr. Veneziani emphasizes the importance of using the right materials and skilled artisans. “There’s no secret to a good job,” he notes. “You just need the right quality materials and the right people to do the work.” Scala Enterprises uses a combination of locally sourced and imported materials, from timber and cement boards for interiors to advanced waterproofing membranes like bituminous membranes, HDPE, and PVC. In roofing, Scala specializes in Tegola Canadese bituminous shingles, for which they are the sole distributors and installers in East Africa, as well as Suntile stone-coated steel tiles, with specialized installation techniques depending on the roof’s shape.
Customer feedback is a critical element in Scala’s business model. “Cooperation with the client while developing the project is key to good business,” says Mr. Veneziani. “We take pride in our competence and flexibility to ensure client satisfaction.” Much of their business growth has come through referrals from satisfied clients, underscoring the importance of strong relationships and positive word-of-mouth.
The construction landscape in Kenya has evolved significantly since Scala’s inception. “When we started, the range of building materials was minimal, and Kenya was lagging behind Europe by over 20 years,” Mr. Veneziani recalls. “We didn’t have mobile phones, the internet, or even computers back then. The internet has since revolutionized the industry, bringing Kenya up to world standards.” The advent of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, promises even more change in the near future, and Scala is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments.
Looking ahead, Scala Enterprises is focused on continuing to innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing construction environment. “The construction business is evolving at lightning speed,” Mr. Veneziani says. “We will continue to stay updated on the latest technologies and materials, just as we have done so far.” With a clear commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction, Scala Enterprises is poised to remain a key player in the East African construction industry for years to come.
CONTACTS
(+254) 0733 603925
(+254) 0723 706953
Website: https://scalaltd.com/
