Davis & Shirtliff, a leading supplier of water and energy solutions in East Africa, has released its “Improving Lives 2024” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. This annual publication highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing community well-being through various initiatives that address water access, clean energy solutions, and environmental sustainability.
Commitment to Climate Action
Climate change is certainly a major factor in all our lives, with increasing evidence showing its considerable disruption and suffering. In addition to various global initiatives, action must also be taken at the local level to address energy and water insecurity. For-profit and non-profit organizations, alongside the public sector, must forge strong partnerships and embrace innovative approaches to leverage their unique strengths in combating these challenges.
Davis & Shirtliff strongly embraces this responsibility and has made a significant contribution through its #ImprovingLives Initiative over the past year. This report details a collection of inspiring stories showcasing the positive impact of the Initiative’s work across diverse rural communities in East Africa. While much remains to be done, these projects have already transformed many lives.
Key Highlights from the 2024 CSR Report
Water Treatment & Clean Energy Solutions
- Solar-Powered Water Systems: Recognizing the profound threat climate change poses to vulnerable populations, particularly pastoralist communities in Northern Kenya and smallholder farmers in marginalized regions, the D&S Improving Lives Initiative has prioritized clean energy solutions. This year, 93 initiatives were powered by solar energy, significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Hand Pump to Solar Conversion Program: A major milestone this year has been the conversion of hand pumps to solar-powered systems. These solar pumps offer reliable, efficient, low-maintenance, and, most critically, sustainable water supply solutions. This transition increases efficiency, reduces time spent fetching water, and enables continuous water storage. To date, 35 hand pumps have been replaced, with more conversions planned into 2025.
Strategic Partnerships & Community Support
- Collaboration with the Britam Foundation: One of the key partnerships this year has been with the Britam Foundation, focused on a schools greening program. This initiative has successfully improved water access for 20 schools in rural Kenya by powering their water pumping systems with solar energy, ensuring a reliable water supply at minimal operational cost.
- Impact on Schools & Children’s Homes: In total, the #ImprovingLives Initiative has positively impacted the lives of over 170,000 individuals, including 83,000 children in schools and children’s homes.
- Collaborative Efforts: Out of the 121 completed projects, 63 were implemented in collaboration with various partners, underscoring the importance of joint action in creating sustainable solutions.
Looking Ahead
The impact stories highlighted in this report demonstrate the transformative power of Davis & Shirtliff’s initiatives in addressing water and energy challenges. With climate change posing increasing threats, the company remains committed to expanding its efforts and partnerships to foster a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
As Group Chairman Alec Davis notes in the report, “The highlighted impact stories reflect the vital role our initiatives play in improving lives and creating long-term solutions for water and energy access across the region.”
Davis & Shirtliff continues to lead the way in leveraging innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships to improve lives, one project at a time.