We started Cots Paper and Board Limited in 2018 as a paper recycling company with a vision to conserve our environment. The idea emerged from our concern about the growing burden of waste collection in counties and the escalating threat of global warming. Together with one of my friends, we embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, despite his previous unsuccessful attempt at a similar project.
Today, we're a small but dedicated team of 24 people, and I'm grateful to each member who has grown with us on this challenging yet rewarding path. We were truly learning on the job when we began.
I first heard about Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) while searching for financial institutions to support our venture. Any entrepreneurial journey requires substantial financing, which was initially difficult for us to secure. Kenya Investment Authority recommended KDC, and through their support, we managed to obtain the loans necessary to launch our business.
KDC has been our initial financier, and we haven't needed to seek loans elsewhere. Our growth has been defined by market consistency, aggressive sales strategies, and a strong focus on quality. One of our key strengths is our payment terms—we pay cash to all our waste paper suppliers, which helps support others in this ecosystem.
I consider KDC a very strategic partner, especially as we look toward expansion. Moving forward, our mission is to help eliminate single-use plastics that are harming our environment. We're focusing on recyclable alternatives like pulp packaging that are user-friendly and biodegradable, truly conserving the environment through our recycling initiatives.
KDC, with its three service categories—loan facilities, equity finance, and advisory services—continues to drive Kenya's progress and prosperity, and we're proud to be part of that journey.
