Mau West Company Limited was registered as a construction company in 1981 but it was not until 1986 when actual waterproofing operations commenced.
Within the 30 years of operations, the company has strived to distinguish itself as a high-quality, customer-centric company in line with their vision of providing the customers with prompt and courteous customer service; plus high quality workmanship and the best materials in Kenya and Eastern Africa.
The Technical Manager, Mrs. Alice Muthoni discussed how their belief in high quality work has made them walk away from many adamant clients who look to take short-cuts.
“We don’t like to be associated with a shoddy job that is why we offer a free-of-charge consultancy to all our clients before we undertake any job; whereby we tell the client the truth then provide options of which we help to implement.In addition, we offer a 10 year warranty for a complete job which is a clear indication on our level of commitment to good quality work”.
Mau West Company Limited works with a variety of products which according to Mrs. Muthoni, are tried and tested and also come with a very good technical back up from the manufacturers.
These products include Penetron Integral Capillary Concrete Waterproofing Systems, liquid Acrylic and Cementitious Waterproofing Membranes, APP Modified Bitumen Waterproofing Membranes, Polysulphide Expansion Joint Sealants, EPDM Rubber membranes, water repellents, PVC Water Bars and many others.
“We sell, distribute and supply a wide range of products from our main partners; Penetron International Ltd from USA, abe from South Africa and Firestone Building Products from Belgium. When clients with small projects come asking for a certain product, we sell it them then offer a demonstration on how the product should be used. When it comes to sensitive and big projects we undertake the works ourselves, or if the client has purchased the materials from us, especially the concrete admixtures; we deploy our qualified technician to the site to ensure the product is being used properly as per the manufacturer’s specifications,” she said.
“Moreover, we only work with products of high standards plus we also consider the market standing of the product. Take for instance the abe products; they have been very successful in other markets in the world. The company not only supplies the products in good faith but also offer a very comprehensive technical support to ensure the products are properly utilized,” She added.
Due to their commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction, Mau West Company Limited has been involved in some significant projects in the country which have surely put them on the construction industry map.
These projects include: Waterproofing to swimming pool, underground and elevated concrete tanks for Enashapai Resort and Spa in Naivasha, waterproofing to underground concrete water tanks for Kenya Ports Authority in Mombasa Port, waterproofing to new swimming pools for Bandari college in Mombasa and Voi teachers training college in Voi, waterproofing to proposed library concrete gutters and planters at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology-Kakamega Campus, waterproofing to concrete Anaerobic Baffled Reactor at the sewerage pumping station (for producing biogas) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology for The Institute for Energy and Environmental Technology in Juja, waterproofing to wet area, swimming pool and grey water tank at Radisson Blu Hotel in upperhill, Waterproofing to concrete flat roofs and gutters over Isiolo Airport in Isiolo plus many others.
Just like any other industry, the waterproofing industry also has its share of challenges and Mau West being in business for 30 years; it has surely experienced the shortcomings the industry has to offer. Construction is a very technical and practical practice.
Therefore, technical knowhow is required in construction projects to ensure buildings do not fail and developers are getting returns from their investments. According to Mrs. Muthoni, lack of waterproofing knowledge is the main undoing in the industry. “The waterproofing industry has very limited experienced and qualified technical specialists and construction technologists who can offer consultancy services to engineers with regards to waterproofing at the design stage of a construction project.The University syllabus should be revised to incorporate modern building technologies including waterproofing to ensure that Engineers have the relevant technical knowledge when they graduate from school,” she said.
She also called for refresher forums for Structural Engineers to ensure that they are up to date with the current trends and new materials and technologies in the construction industry.
