The Story Behind Midrift Concrete Works’ Rise From Two Employees to Construction Empire
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In the heart of Nakuru, along the busy Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, stands a company committed to quality, durability and innovation in the concrete products industry. That company is called Midrift Concrete Works.
The giant precast manufacturer, located adjacent to Shiner’s Girls School at Free Area in Nakuru, was founded in 2011.
It was not just an establishment; it was a solution aimed at addressing problems faced by engineers, developers and the general public.
Midrift was started by Dr. Joseph Wanjohi with a vision of making quality building materials affordable and accessible to developers while contributing to Kenya’s infrastructure development.
In his narration, Dr. Wanjohi revealed that at the time, precast concrete products were expensive and largely inaccessible to many builders, with the market dominated by a few suppliers.
In response, he developed a solution to bridge this gap, leading to the establishment of Midrift Concrete Works.
“I started this company in order to produce affordable and quality building materials for developers and to build the country. You see, by that time, everything was expensive since there were only a few companies which dealt with this kind of business. I saw an opportunity and grabbed it,” said Dr. Wanjohi.
How Midrift Concrete Works Rose From Job Struggles to Job Creation
Besides bridging the gap, the founder explained how unemployment among Kenyans was high. He confirmed that he had struggled to secure employment despite studying medicine.
Driven by this vision, Dr. Wanjohi worked tirelessly to turn his dream into reality.
Today, the company has grown to employ more than sixty people.
“What began as a small operation with only two employees has grown steadily over the years into a thriving enterprise employing more than sixty people,” he said.
He recalled that when the company started, production was largely manual with no machines available.
However, through consistent investment and strategic planning, Midrift has since acquired both semi-automated and fully automated machinery.
This has significantly improved efficiency, productivity and product consistency.
Built on Quality and Honesty
What has driven Midrift to where it is today is quality and honesty, which Dr. Wanjohi describes as the pillars of the company’s success.
Midrift does not compromise on quality. To maintain high standards, the company employs trained personnel, sources raw materials from reputable suppliers and implements strict quality control measures throughout the production process.
He emphasized that proper mixing, curing and handling of materials are critical in ensuring durable and reliable products.
The company has built its image on transparency, reliability and integrity, assuring customers of quality products delivered on time.
This commitment has enabled it to establish long-term relationships with clients within and beyond Nakuru.
“Midrift Concrete Works is defined by honesty and quality. Our personnel are honest with the client… quality is a fundamental aspect in this industry,” he asserted.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
Despite its growth, the company has faced several challenges, including fluctuating loan interest rates, high machinery costs, a shortage of skilled labour, theft linked to scrap metal trade, delayed payments by county governments and disruptions during transitions in county leadership.
More recently, economic slowdowns have affected construction activity, forcing contractors to postpone projects due to delayed payments.
Nevertheless, these challenges have strengthened the company. Dr. Wanjohi explained that Midrift continues to invest in staff training, adopt emerging technologies, conduct market research and engage in active marketing.
“Healthy competition has compelled the company to focus even more on quality, service delivery and customer satisfaction. I love competition. It makes me work around the clock,” he said.
Adapting Through Technology and Innovation
As the construction industry evolves, Midrift has embraced innovation. The company introduced a batching plant to improve efficiency and consistency in production.
It has also adopted technologies such as hollow pots and interlocking blocks, helping developers reduce construction costs and minimize the use of reinforcement steel.
Additionally, the introduction of T-Beam technology allows builders to cut construction costs by nearly forty percent without compromising structural integrity.
Dr. Wanjohi noted a shift from conventional building methods to more efficient alternatives. Concrete panels, for example, have become popular due to their strength and reduced plastering needs.
He also highlighted the shift from permanent mortar paving to flexible options like cabros and paving slabs.
“You see, with this, construction is made flexible with ease, without spending much,” he explained.
Midrift has supplied materials for several notable projects.
Among them is the redevelopment of Afraha Stadium in 2023, where it supplied paving slabs, cabro blocks and wet mix materials.
Other projects include the Meadows development, St. Antony Hospital, Nakuru Athletics Club, Nakuru Sports Club and a recent concrete and metallic walkway installation at St. Clare Primary School in Elburgon.
These projects demonstrate the company’s capacity to deliver quality products across both public and private sectors.
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A Promising Future Ahead
Dr. Wanjohi expressed confidence in the future of Kenya’s construction industry, citing urbanization, population growth and infrastructure development as key drivers of demand.
“The industry will continue to grow… we are looking for innovations to save time, cut costs, while improving efficiency,” he affirmed.
He remains optimistic about Midrift’s future, revealing plans to expand into other towns, create more jobs and broaden its product range.
The company also aims to support affordable housing initiatives and national infrastructure development.
In his message to customers, Dr. Wanjohi assured them of continued dedication to quality products, reliable service and practical solutions for construction needs.
More than a decade since its establishment, Midrift Concrete Works stands as a testament to vision, resilience and innovation.
From just two employees to a respected manufacturer, the company continues to deliver affordable, high-quality construction materials while contributing to stronger communities and a stronger nation.
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Midrift Concrete Works, founded by Dr. Joseph Wanjohi, produces pavers and blocks at its facility to reduce construction costs for builders. PHOTO/ FILE