About us

Introduction:

In 1948, City Engineering began as a small fabrication workshop. Fast forward to now, we have continued to develop a strong reputation as a trusted provider of steel fabricated and galvanized solutions.

At City Engineering Works (K) Limited, we ensure quality through our seamless management and control systems. We developed and perfected these systems by working on hundreds of diverse projects during our 8 decades in business.

History

Our story begins when a young boy migrated from India. This young boy, Mohamed Bashir was only 18 years old at the time had a vision and the capacity to persevere in the face of adversity. He was willing to walk down the road less travelled; and that is how he got to Kenya and began working on the railways. He then got certified as a plumber. Armed with experience in providing small fabrication works to service the construction industry, Bashir saw an opportunity in the market and went all in to start City Engineering Works in 1948.

Market Leaders

As the company grew, in 1960, they expanded to Busia road (current location). Here, they developed galvanizing works and added galvanized steel water tanks to the product portfolio. With this, City Engineering Works became the only company galvanising at the time, making it the oldest and longest running galvaniser in Kenya. As the business grew, so did the market conditions and demand for different products. And so, in 1965, CEW began manufacturing hot water cylinders. Five years later, in 1970 Rafiki Metal Works was established. Located in Nairobi, Sheikh Karume Road, its main aim was utilising galvanizing & fabrication skills as well as roll forming technology to introduce circular water tanks to the market. Always alert for new opportunities, in 1975 the Dandora factory was launched, investing in Kenya’s first ever Induction furnace technology and a rolling mill to produce round bars. The same year, up until 1983, Mohamed Bashir was joined by his three sons: Habib, Hafiz and Ayub. During this period City Engineering ventured into government tenders and became the main supplier of fabricated steel structures for Kenya Post Office and Kenya Power Lighting Company. We continued to build our reputation as a trusted market leader for quality products at competitive prices.  But as fate would have it in 1985 Dandora was closed only to be reopened in 1987, this time square twisted bars were added to the product range. By this time, the group had grown to over 200 employees.

In 1985, in line with plumbing background City Engineering were the first to introduce Pedrollo water pumps to the Kenyan market, a product that is still regarded as the best pump available in the Kenyan.

However, in 1995 – Rafiki Metal Works were closed due to the increasing security risk in the area and manufacturing capabilities were moved to City Engineering Works Busia rd.

Then things got dark in 1999 when Mohammed Bashir passed away, this marked the beginning a tough period, the rain started beating.

Habib takes over as managing director.

In 2000, through the able leadership of Habib, we invested in a new galvanizing line, utilising Indian technology. We had the hot water cylinder line upgraded to produce more efficient insulated cylinders. The investment paid off. Capacity and efficiency of operations expanded.

The rain was not done with us, it started beating again. As the plunged deeper into recession over the next few years due to the power crisis in the country, our company suffered a downturn and would continue till 2004. Dandora was shut down and sold out in 2003.

We strived on and began looking for silver lining in the dark clouds. And the following years marked a period of expansion as the Kenya government began rural electrification development.

City Engineering started investing in technology including, mechanical presses, shearing machines, pneumatic presses and many more technologies. This enabled CEW to maintain market leadership and excellence by combining its long experience in fabrication and cutting-edge technology.

CEW continues to invest in technology and remains a leading supplier for Kenya Power (KPLC) and Rural Electrification Authority (REA).

In 2015, Habib’s 2 sons (Irfan and Rizwan) joined the business. In the same year and as demand for homes grew, Rafiki Roofing Mabati was established, to provide high quality roofing for homeowners. Rafiki Roofing has quickly grown into a brand trusted for quality products and service.

In 2020 we upgraded galvanizing works further, increasing capacity, and introduced 3D printing. CEW remains the market leader for providing galvanizing solutions.