For the last two years, one firm has had to deal with a barrage of accusations over its’ close relationship with the Government of Kenya – Devki Group of Companies (DGC) which houses Simba Cement, Devki Steel Mills and Maisha Mabati, among others.
Devki Group, as it widely known, under the leadership of Chairman Narendra Rameshchandra Raval, 62, also known as ‘Guru’, has made significant positive contributions to various sectors, demonstrating a blend of unprecedented vision, innovation, and social responsibility.
Background
President Ruto re-appointed as Chancellor of Egerton University on September 20, 2024 for a second term of 5 years. Mr Raval is also the chairman of the National Lottery Fund.
He holds B.Com from Kutch-Bhuj, India with Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Champions Covenant Church, USA as well as Egerton University. He has authored Bhai Guru: An Autobiography of Narendra Raval
His estimated net worth is $500 mn (Sh65 bn) and is considered to be 46th among wealthiest Africans. In 2015, Forbes rated him as second wealthiest Kenyan.
At only 11 he served as an assistant priest – reason attributed to his humble demeanour. He quit when he was 22 and started steel-making. He started Devki Steel Mills in 1986.
Publicly, he is known as one of the largest and leading manufacturer of steel products in East and Central Africa. He is also a reknown philantropist.
Tax reliefs
In his few public appearances, Mr Raval has been seen with nearly all high and mighty in the country and region. Using such proximity, he has lobbied for favourable deals with government – more specifically on tax reliefs – and other incentives which have not gone down well with competitors within the steel and cement industry.
There are those who believe that the sell-Kenya, buy-Kenya push on clinker, steel and cement favours DGC. Even this is yet to be substantiated.
As would be expected, anonymous and faceless attacks – claiming either under-weight and or low quality of products have been too frequent. Yet, in all these, no state agency has come out to confirm such incessant claims.
That has been in short, the life and times of Devki Group of Companies (DGC) flagships – especially on social media and at times, sections of the mainstream media.
Away from unsubstantiated claims, who really is this Narendra Raval?
Shrewd Entrepreneur
Friends and foes acknowledge that the shrewd businessman has multifaceted impacts of his initiatives, which highlight the transformative changes brought about by DGC in the economic, social, and environmental spheres.
Raval’s visionary leadership has propelled Devki Group to the forefront of the industrial landscape. By spearheading investments in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and real estate, he has created employment opportunities, stimulated economic growth, and bolstered infrastructure development.
DGC’s strategic expansions have not only enhanced its own profitability but also fueled economic progress at both local and national levels.
Through his astute business acumen, Mr Raval has played a pivotal role in driving sustainable economic development and fostering a conducive environment for investment.
Philanthropic man
Under his stewardship, DGC has prioritized social responsibility and community development. Through various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the group has actively engaged in philanthropic activities, supporting education, healthcare, and environmental conservation programs.
By investing in the well-being of communities surrounding its operations, DGC has exemplified a commitment to uplifting society and fostering inclusive growth.
Raval’s emphasis on giving back to society underscores his belief in his symbiotic relationship between business success and social welfare.
Long before Government took up the extended producer responsibility, Mr Raval has personally and through his flagships, advocated for sustainable practices within the DGC operations.
From adopting green technologies to promoting energy efficiency and waste management, the DGC continues to do whatever it takes to minimize its ecological footprint and contribute to environmental conservation.
Environmental Health
By embracing eco-friendly initiatives and advocating for sustainable development principles, Mr Raval has set a precedent for corporate entities to prioritize environmental stewardship and uphold their responsibility towards the environmental ecosystem.
On inclusivity, this is best exemplified through DGC’s initiatives aimed at empowering women and fostering diversity in the workplace. By providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries, DGC has broken barriers and promoted gender equality.
Through these efforts, Mr Raval’s vision and mission is premised on not only championing inclusivity within the group but has also setting a precedent for promoting diversity and equal opportunity in the corporate world.
Legacy
positive contributions through the Devki Group underscore the transformative power of visionary leadership, social responsibility, and sustainability.
His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring impact of responsible corporate practices and the potential for businesses to be forces for good in society.
No doubt Mr Raval and the Devki Group serve as beacons of inspiration for businesses to operate ethically, sustainably, and inclusively, thereby creating a more prosperous and equitable future for all.
Such businesses need to be supported by government, private sector competitors as well as consumers.
In such circumstances and in the fullness of time, it is the country’s economy that wins. Socially, people will have jobs and crime will certainly come down.