BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION.
Mr. Kalpesh Hirani serves as a Director at Twiga Construction and is a board member at the National Construction Authority (NCA). He is a qualified structural engineer, architect, and chartered accountant with extensive knowledge in cash flow systems. Mr. Kalpesh earned his first degree from Sheffield University, where he pursued structural engineering and architecture, qualifications recognized by both the Institute of Structural Engineers and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at level 1.
Enhancing his financial expertise, Mr. Kalpesh completed a four-year chartered accounting program. His career began in the UK with a small firm specializing in fit-outs, where he gained seven years of valuable experience. Upon returning to Kenya, he joined Twiga Construction as a project coordinator. Following a company reorganization, he advanced to the role of Director. Over the past 50 years, Twiga Construction has become a trusted name in various construction projects, including residential, commercial, health, and educational sectors.
SPECIALITIES.
Twiga Construction Ltd, headquartered in Baba Ndogo, Nairobi, offers comprehensive services such as construction, design-build, and construction management. The company boasts an experienced and skilled technical and administrative staff, ensuring the successful execution of projects and client satisfaction.
In Kenya’s highly competitive construction industry, in-house production facilities are crucial for a contractor’s success. Twiga Construction has established several workshops within its expansive complex, enhancing its efficiency and project delivery speed:
- Aluminium Fabrication Workshop: Maintains adequate stock levels, enabling quick production of doors, windows, frames, and glass curtain walls.
- Wood Joinery: Equipped with extensive machinery to design and produce various timber products, including doors, frames, and bespoke furniture.
- Precast Concrete: Produces a wide range of concrete products such as road kerbs, slabs, paving blocks, window sills, and hollow pots.
- Steel/Metal Fabrication: Fabricates mild steel products like steel casement windows, handrails, trusses, columns, and reinforcement bars.
- Stone Cutting: Produces various colored stones for external and internal cladding.
Twiga Construction is fully equipped with standard construction machinery, equipment, and vehicles, ensuring timely project completion without delays for clients.
PROJECTS DONE.
- Residential: 250 houses, 336 flats, and civil works in Huruma; 320 houses, 400 flats, and civil works in Kariobangi; Mugumo Villas in Lavington; Deerpark luxury houses; 24 apartments for Riverside Mansion Ltd.
- Commercial: Sarit Centre Phase 1 and 2; Kalson Towers; Fortis Tower; Geminia Insurance offices; Uchumi Hypermart on Langata Road.
- Educational and Health: Daystar University Valley Road; Kenya College of Communications Technology (classrooms, hostel extensions, civil works); Brookhouse Junior School Karen; MP Shah Hospital Doctor’s Plaza.
- Other: PCEA Evergreen Church in Runda; Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani (civil works).
TIPS FOR ACHIEVEING BUSINESS GROWTH.
Mr. Kalpesh emphasizes that the construction industry is cyclical and capital-intensive. He believes that offering quality services and maintaining brand loyalty are crucial for growth, as satisfied clients will help market the company’s good work. Effective cash flow management, especially during recessions, is vital to prevent business collapse.
MANDATE.
Twiga Construction Limited has significantly contributed to Kenya’s built environment and continues to do so. The company aims to maintain its excellent record and let its work speak for itself in the years ahead.
UNIQUE SELLING POINT.
Delivering on client expectations has earned Twiga Construction a stellar reputation in the industry.
QUALITY CONTROL MANAGEMENT.
Mr. Kalpesh stresses the importance of thorough training for staff, both on-site and in offices, to ensure high-quality work and minimize repair costs. Comprehensive documentation of all processes instills confidence in clients and consultants, enabling traceability throughout the construction process.
FUTURE PROSPECTS.
As a family business, Mr. Kalpesh advocates for gradual expansion to ensure consistent delivery of projects, leveraging their acquired knowledge and expertise. He aims to contribute to the broader construction industry for the greater good.
CHALLENGES.
The construction industry involves numerous stakeholders with varying levels of expertise. Integrating knowledge and expertise from all parties can be challenging, particularly when stakeholders are rigid or lack sufficient knowledge.
OPPORTUNITIES.
Mr. Kalpesh identifies modern technologies that facilitate offsite construction as a significant opportunity. This approach allows for the pre-fabrication of components, which can then be assembled on-site like a large Lego set, offering a more efficient and less time-consuming alternative to traditional construction methods.
When asked about a quote that reflects his philosophy, Mr. Kalpesh replied, “Assumption is the mother of all failures. Don’t assume.”